(The Gist of Science Reporter) Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT)

[SEPTEMBER-2019]

Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT)

A New Window to the Universe India is a full member of the TMT Consortium with the other partners being Canada, China, Japan and the USA. TMT is the world's largest and
most advanced telescope which will help to unveil discoveries beyond our imagination.
With its 30 m prime mirror diameter, this unique instrument will allow astronomers to see deeper into space and observe cosmic objects with extraordinary sensitivity. Its adaptive
optics, spectroscopic and high-resolution capabilities will allow astronomers to address the fundamental questions in astronomy ranging from understanding star and planet formation to unraveling the history of galaxies, black holes and the development of large-scale structure
in the universe.
India-TMT Coordination Centre (ITCC), located at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) is responsible for managing India's contribution, which is $213 million to the $1.47 billion
project, jointly funded by DST and DAE. India’s 70% in kind contribution of the TMT project will be contributed through hardware and software systems for the project which will be developed indigenously.
So, while participation in mega science projects will enable our scientific community and industries to develop in-house capabilities and indigenous technologies, Vigyan Samagam would serve as a travelling platform bringing cutting-edge S&T to the doorsteps of multi-stakeholders and the general public. It will display theme-based galleries, working models and exhibits, informative audio-visual content & electronic displays, interactive kiosks
and invited talks & lectures by eminent speakers.
Not only will the event showcase India’s strength, capability and contribution in multi-country mega science projects, a gathering of schools, colleges, universities, industry partners, researchers, scholars, scientific organisations, policymakers, representatives of media and community members would help in cross fertilization of ideas. It will also attract and motivate the young to take up exciting science based career options.