"NSF Approves Funding for One Giant U.S. Telescope, Threatening Future of Another"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Big Think
The future of US astronomy has been compromised as the National Science Foundation has decided to only contribute to the construction of one extremely large telescope instead of two, despite the recommendations of the National Academies of Sciences in the Astro2020 decadal report. Ground-based telescopes are crucial for various reasons, including their versatility, maintenance, and upgradeability. The decision to limit funding for ground-based facilities could hinder the US's leadership in astronomy and astrophysics, and impact the nation's ability to make groundbreaking discoveries about the Universe.