U.Va. joins world’s largest telescope project

After months of considering the objections by Native American groups to a major telescope project in Arizona, U.Va. has joined a consortium of research institutions involved with the project — the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT). 

The University will invest about $4 million in the project and will gain seven nights per year of observing time on the LBT and substantial access to several other consortium telescopes worldwide. The LBT, on Mount Graham northeast of Tucson, is scheduled for completion in 2004 and will be the most powerful telescope in the world.

U.Va. also intends to take steps to respond to the needs of Native American peoples in Arizona and Virginia. Native American groups have for many years voiced concerns about the location of the telescope on a mountain that some consider sacred.

The LBT Research Consortium is an international partnership led by the University of Arizona. Astronomers say the LBT’s two giant mirrors — each 27 feet across and positioned side-by-side on a single mount spanning 74 feet — will give a deeper and clearer view of the cosmos than has ever been achieved. They will conduct studies on dark matter, quasars and black holes; how stars form; and the origins and evolution of the universe.

“This is an important step in our effort to become a top astronomy department,” said Robert Rood, department chairman. “Involvement with the LBT will help us recruit outstanding students and faculty and meets our goal of gaining access to some of the world’s best telescopes.”