NSF Cuts Funding Thirty Meter Telescope Hawaii Shifts Support Chile

Astronomy enthusiasts and professionals continue to engage deeply with the night sky through various means, from historic observatories to contemporary events and competitions. The Lick Observatory, built with funds from 19th-century mogul James Lick who is buried beneath its telescope, remains a hub for research and public outreach, staffed by dedicated personnel like Dr. Paul Lynam. In Ireland, the School of Astronomy and Astrophysics at DIAS hosts the 'Reach for the Stars' astrophotography competition, encouraging photographers, including youth with smartphone entries, to capture celestial images. Meanwhile, the Oregon Star Party in the Ochoco Mountains offers an annual gathering for stargazers to view constellations through some of North America's darkest skies. However, challenges persist in large telescope projects, highlighted by the National Science Foundation's funding cut for the Thirty Meter Telescope in Hawaiʻi, a move welcomed by Native Hawaiian groups opposing the project due to its cultural impact. Local astronomy events, such as the University of Iowa's observation sessions at the Van Allen Observatory, further foster public engagement with astronomy.