The project, which will cost $1.4 billion, will allow astronomers to study the Universe and explore exoplanets.
There were many reasons for the opposition of construction on the TMT in Hawaii. Some people consider Mauna Kea the most sacred mountain on the island that is connected to their religion’s deities, while others oppose it for environmental reasons.
Last week, the board met to discuss alternative locations. Henry Yang, chair of the TMT international observatory board, said in a statement that the board had come up with a new plan.
Yang said in his statement, “After careful deliberation, the board of governors has identified Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos on La Palma in the Canary Islands, Spain, as the primary alternative to Hawaii.”
The TMT board is still working to gain approval for site in Hawaii, where development has been in process for the past 15 years, but if protests continue they will have to use their back-up plan.
