One more observatory in addition to TMT?

[TomK]

Spy satellites to be used on top of Mauna Kea? How does that work? Oh, I forget, the summit is 40% above the Earth's atmosphere...

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

EXTREMELY low earth orbit. Don't forget to duck every 90 minutes or so.

[TomK]

Atmospheric drag is going to be one hell of an issue.

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

Teflon coating. Extra thick.

[TomK]

I feel for Subaru, Keck and Gemini. They're going to have spend quite a lot of time and money retraining their aircraft spotters.

[David M]

Just once, I'd like the anti military nuts acknowledge some of the good this island gets from its presence, you know just for balance to prove they actually know facts. But I suspect they don't and won't because they don't care to know.

David

Ninole Resident
Please visit vacation.ninolehawaii.com

[TomK]

I agree, Mark. I'll also add that in my travels, I've met many serving in the military at airports, in flight and in hotels (especially the Best Western Plaza at HNL) and they are invariably the most respectful and polite people I have ever met. They never fail to impress me.

Just want to make it clear, though, that the MK observatories have no connection to the military whatsoever. Their mission is basic scientific research, and that's what their funding agencies require. On that note, I would still like to see a response from Opihikao about the rumors, or whatever they are, coming from Honolulu and Washington D.C., because I know nothing about them

[TomK]

"If this telescope can peak back in time to the big bang, could it be possible to see the last light given from a plane that crashes in remote areas on earth? Or trace light from fired missiles or underground nuclear tests in north Korea, or Iran?"

Genuine question, Gypsy69. Do you actually know what an astronomical telescope is?

[TomK]

Actually, ignore that question. I'll try this instead as it's much more simple.

Gypsy69, do you know the difference between a ground-based telescope and a satellite?

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

A Hawaiian observation heiau perhaps?
There is a history with Mauna Kea.

I took a short hike out to the wild side of Kaloli Point this morning. The sky was clear and both Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa were cloudless. Dotted across the uppermost regions of Mauna Kea I could see scattered pockets of snow, probably in low lying areas where it piled up deep, or places where it drifted into snow banks and retained the cold longer than the rest of the peak.

As I watched the mountain I realized, those round clumps of snow, maybe an acre in size, didn't look much different than the observatories nearby. It was hard to tell the difference.

Clearly Mauna Kea has had round white objects near it's peak for all to see, for as long as people have been in Hawaii. It's a natural inclination of the mountain.