#Caltech Submillimeter Observatory

Discussions underway for $3 billion Thirty Meter Telescope to be built on alternative site on Mauna Kea

Hawaiʻi Island Mayor Kimo Alameda expressed support for the telescope being built on the site of a former telescope believing it could meet the criteria of the Kū Kiaʻi Mauna (Guardians of the Mountain).

Caltech Submillimeter Observatory buildings, telescope dome removed from Mauna Kea

The decommissioning of the observatory started in September 2023 when the telescope was removed and shipped to Chile where it was anticipated it would continue to contribute to the field of astronomy.

Telescope removed from Caltech Submillimeter Observatory atop Maunakea; decommissioning paused until spring

The Caltech Submillimeter Observatory came online in 1987 and was used by scientists at Caltech and other institutions, including almost 200 student and postdoctoral researchers.

Caltech Telescope Removed from Maunakea; Deconstruction to Begin

“After much logistical planning, we successfully removed the telescope from the observatory building, allowing deconstruction of the buildings to begin,” Caltech physics professor and Caltech Submillimeter Observatory Director Sunil Golwala said.

Saddle Road is shutting down to remove Maunakea observatory. But when?

The goal of early notification, before dates are fixed, is to seek feedback on potential conflicts with other activities.

Decommissioning of Caltech observatory on Maunakea summit on track for this year

The Caltech telescope and the University of Hawai’i at Hilo telescope both are currently in the final stages of the decommissioning process mandated in the Maunakea Comprehensive Management Plan.

VIDEO: Maunakea Telescope Wins ‘Oscars of Science’ for World’s First Black Hole Image

The Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration awarded 2020 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics for innovative work done in capturing an image of Pōwehi.