Why are telescopes built?

[Frank]

@kalakoa...Having both is more important.

So, TMT will see both Northern and Southern skys?

[Frank]

quote:

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Originally posted by HereOnThePrimalEdge

Is the Northern sky more important than the Southern sky?

Can you divide the study of a (more or less) infinite universe in half?

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What is the argument - But, if TMT is built in Chile they will not be able to see the Northern sky all about.??

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

if TMT is built in Chile they will not be able to see the Northern sky all about.??

The southern hemisphere faces a different part of the sky than the northern hemisphere. Take the constellation Southern Cross for instance. It’s barely on the horizon line in Hawaii, not visible at all on the mainland, but easily seen in Chile.

The reverse is true as well. We can see objects in space from Hawaii that cannot be seen in Chile.

[Frank]

...So, other than elevation and cleanest air in the world there are no advantages (viewing space) by building TMT on Maunakea?

eta - by

[kalakoa]

other than elevation and cleanest air in the world

Those aren't good enough reasons?

[Frank]

Yes, good reasons both but not game changers...MONEY, now that IS the game changer

[kalakoa]

MONEY, now that IS the game changer

A premium location demands a premium price, then? TMT isn't offering enough?

Let's make Hawaii so expensive that we don't get tourists or investment, then we'll be forced to raise taxes high enough that most residents move away too.

[Frank]

Didn't say or imply your leap at all...TMT does not an economy make...tourists won't come to the Big Isle because TMT wasn't built?

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

MONEY, now that IS the game changer

Maybe Frank has a point. But why stop at taxing the non-profit telescopes? Let's tax the University of Hawaii too, and UHH. But wait there's more. Let's tax OHA & DHHL. People who have Section 8 and EBT get free food and housing - - tax them a little too. Retired people get free social security money and Medicare every month just for sitting at home and watching TV, tax them double. I could go on and on, but one more. People who get their own stop light & barricades, a free camp site and parking place really should pay a hefty tax in my opinion.

Add it all up and there's some serious game changing cash we can give to Harry Kim, who, oh yeah, should have his own special tax applied to his salary. All of it.

[kalakoa]

TMT does not an economy make...

TMT contributes both money and diversity to the economy.

Diversity is important. Especially in a smaller economy which already suffers a "major geographic disadvantage".

tourists won't come to the Big Isle because TMT wasn't built?

Tourists who came here to see the telescopes are unable to do so. This is a real thing that is currently happening. They will be sharing their opinions when they go back where they came from.

Continuing to allow the protest blockade sends a clear message: it's foolish to invest In Hawaii, permits are worthless paper. This could become a problem.