#MaunaKea has long been regarded as the crown jewel of ground-based #astronomical observation.

🇨🇳 Groundwork, mirror polishing and instrument development are already under way for the 14.5-metre Large Optical Telescope and the 6.5-metre Multiplexed Survey Telescope 🔭 https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3356164/how-china-working-turn-saishiteng-mountain-worlds-largest-astronomy-base

The Tibetan Plateau is the highest plateau on Earth, with an average elevation of over 4,000 metres https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03711-z

🗺️ #Lenghu Astronomical Observing Base https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/1107301909

#Astronomy

China wants to build the world’s largest astronomy base on Saishiteng Mountain

Telescopes at the remote site are set to surpass Hawaii’s Mauna Kea in light-gathering power by the mid-2030s, scientists say.

South China Morning Post
Diplomats Experience Maunakea Through Science and Culture — Maunakea Observatories

The University of Hawaiʻi welcomed about 50 international diplomats to Maunakea and the UH Hilo ʻImiloa Astronomy Center for a firsthand look at the university’s leading role in world-class astronomy, scientific discoveries and cultural stewardship that have helped make Hawaiʻi a global center f

Maunakea Observatories

The Milky Way glitters above Hawai’i Island and the Pacific Ocean in this image captured from Gemini North

Credit: International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/M. Rodriguez

https://noirlab.edu/public/images/DSC06312_final-CC/

#Maunakea #MilkyWay #Hawaii

Observatory dome on Mauna Kea, golden light, clouds far below. Beth brought me here to see the islands she once called home. I came for the views and stayed for the hardware.

#Photography #ScottKissPhoto #MaunaKea

Observatory dome on Mauna Kea, shutters open, telescope visible inside. Getting ready for a night of work while the sun goes down behind it.

Machines like this never stop being fascinating.

#Photography #ScottKissPhoto #MaunaKea

Mauna Kea summit at sunset. Observatories lining the ridge, clouds far below, and a sky cycling through every shade of orange before it’s done.

There’s always another view waiting somewhere.

#Photography #ScottKissPhoto #MaunaKea