09-03-2019, 01:40 PM
Page 7:
Although arguments could be made in favor of either hemisphere, the advantages of being the only ELT in the Northern hemisphere carried the most weight. There are some unique scientific opportunities afforded by the Northern Hemisphere, and from the larger perspective of world-wide astronomy and astrophysics research, a Northern location complements the two planned ELTs in the Southern Hemisphere.
TomK probably knows more about the specific details, but my basic understanding is that although the TMT could be built in the Southern Hemisphere, that location doesn’t offer the unique opportunities for discovery as if it were built in the Northern Hemisphere, where no other telescope as large as the TMT has a view of that part of the sky.
Although arguments could be made in favor of either hemisphere, the advantages of being the only ELT in the Northern hemisphere carried the most weight. There are some unique scientific opportunities afforded by the Northern Hemisphere, and from the larger perspective of world-wide astronomy and astrophysics research, a Northern location complements the two planned ELTs in the Southern Hemisphere.
TomK probably knows more about the specific details, but my basic understanding is that although the TMT could be built in the Southern Hemisphere, that location doesn’t offer the unique opportunities for discovery as if it were built in the Northern Hemisphere, where no other telescope as large as the TMT has a view of that part of the sky.
"I'm at that stage in life where I stay out of discussions. Even if you say 1+1=5, you're right - have fun." - Keanu Reeves