Discoveries using the telescopes on Mauna Kea

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

Here’s an example of the “military use” of Hawaii telescopes, NOT ON MAUNA KEA, but on Haleakala at the AMOS Observatory.

AMOS, along with PAN-STARRS track satellites, orbital debris, and asteroids. The US Air Force operates the XB-37B space plane, shaped like a mini-shuttle. The Air Force keeps everything about the mission classified, so if they can monitor Chinese and Russian satellites they’ll recognize when foreign satellites adjust their orbits and move toward the XB-37.

Example: the Chinese military has located the X-37B in space and is maneuvering satellites to get a closer look at it. If the U.S. gets wind of the operation, spotting the approaching Chinese satellites, it could order the X-37B to change its orbit—ideally over South America—the opposite end of the Earth from China. The X-37B would simply fail to show up at the designated time, forcing the Chinese to reacquire the spacecraft and start the operation all over again.
https://www.popularmechanics.com/militar...disappear/

Personally I view this as a benefit for Americans and Hawaiians. And if AMOS or PAN-STARRS (NOT ON MAUNA KEA) but on Haleakala spot a large incoming asteroid one day? It’s all part of their job description.