This project is now closed. We thank everyone who took part. On 2015 April 6, the Prime Minister of Canada announced that Canada would become a full partner in the Thirty Metre Telescpe project, committing $243.5-million, amounting to a 15 to 20 percent share in the costs. This is a success for the Canadian astronomical community, and will pay scientific, cultural, and economic dividends now and in the future. For more information, see the CASCA media release, and the TMT site.

Express your support for the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT)!

The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) is an outstanding next-generation engine of astronomical discovery currently in development. Construction has just begun. From the start, the TMT has had Canadian involvement in its conception, planning, and design. CASCA in 2010 designated the TMT as the “number one priority for large projects in ground-based optical-infrared astronomy”. For Canada to assume full partnership in the TMT it is vital that the Canadian Government agree to Canada’s share of the cost, otherwise we will lose our place in the project. The professional astronomical community in Canada greatly values the backing of the RASC, the voice of amateur astronomy in Canada, and through our Board of Directors the Society has officially expressed our institutional support for the TMT. There is also an important role individual members of the amateur astronomical community can play in furthering Canada’s access to the most productive instruments for the most innovative science. Letters of support for the TMT from individual Canadian citizens count – and we encourage you to consider writing to the Minister of State (Science and Technology).

Courtesy TMT Observatory Corporation

A model letter can be downloaded here. Before printing the letter, add the date (in the field marked date), and add your name (in the field marked name). Remember to sign the letter before mailing it to:

The Honourable Ed Holder

Minister of State (Science and Technology)

House of Commons

Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A6

Note, this letter may be sent postage-free to the address provided.

We recommend maintaining a positive and supportive tone in writing to the government, as the aim is to focus on obtaining approval for the TMT.

We ask that you send us an email after you've posted your letter to Ottawa, to help us keep track of the effort.

We encourage all RASC members to get involved and express their support for this significant project!

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For the latest on Canada's role in the TMT, potential benefits for Canadian science & engineering, culture, and society, see CASCA's TMT brochure, and TMT Canadian Project Digest.

_{project lead: RAR, with assistance from ES, LF, WMcD, & JE}