NSF Releases Evaluation Panel Report on U.S. Extremely Large Telescope
Washington, D.C.– December 9, 2024 – The National Science Foundation (NSF) today released the report of an external evaluation panel convened to review the U.S. Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) Program. The panel was tasked with assessing the program’s progress, identifying areas for improvement, and making recommendations for the future.
The U.S. ELT is a proposed next-generation ground-based optical telescope that would have a 30-meter primary mirror. It is intended to be the world’s largest and most powerful telescope, capable of studying the universe in unprecedented detail. The project is currently in the design and development phase, with construction expected to begin in 2028.
The evaluation panel was chaired by Dr. Marcia Rieke, a professor of astronomy at the University of Arizona. The panel included experts in astronomy, engineering, project management, and other fields.
The panel’s report found that the U.S. ELT Program is making good progress, but that there are some areas that need improvement. The panel made a number of recommendations, including:
- Strengthen the program’s management structure.
- Improve communication and coordination between the project partners.
- Develop a more realistic timeline for the project.
- Increase the budget for the project.
The NSF will now consider the panel’s recommendations and develop a plan for addressing them.
“The U.S. ELT is a very ambitious project, but it has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the universe,” said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. “The evaluation panel’s report will help us to ensure that the project is successful.”
The U.S. ELT is a collaboration between the NSF, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the University of California. The telescope is expected to be located on Mauna Kea in Hawaii.
Related Links:
- Report of the U.S. Extremely Large Telescope External Evaluation Panel: www.nsf.gov/mps/ast/elt_external_review.jsp
- NSF Press Release: www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=356436
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