The Stream

Science on sacred land at Mauna Kea

As scientists cement plans to build a giant telescope in Hawaii, protesters are fighting to protect their indigenous culture.

Hawaii’s tallest mountain may soon host one of the world’s largest telescopes, despite protests against its construction on sacred land. The Thirty Meter Telescope will be so powerful, it will be able to detect Earth-like planets around other stars, revealing the potential for life elsewhere in the universe. But how will it affect the lives of Native Hawaiians right here on Earth? Join us Monday at 1930GMT.

On this episode of The Stream, we speak with:

Paul Coleman
Astrophysicist, Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii

Keolu Fox @KeoluFox
Hawaiian scientist

Alex Lockwood @AskAstroAlex
Astrophysicist
youtube.com/user/phdcomics

E. Kalani Flores @ProtectMaunaKea
Native Hawaiian 
protectmaunakea.org

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