Last evening, Baron Sekiya posted this announcement on his blog.

The National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (NAOC) has joined the Thirty Meter Telescope Project.
As an observer, China will participate in planning the development of what will be the world’s most advanced and capable astronomical observatory.

“The TMT is delighted to take this exciting new step forward in our relationship with the National Astronomical Observatories of China,” said Henry Yang, chairman of the TMT board and Chancellor of the University of California, Santa Barbara. “We appreciate their interest in contributing to this important international endeavor, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Chinese astronomical community in fostering China’s collaboration in the TMT project.”

NAOC officials also hailed the development.

“We believe that the Thirty Meter Telescope will provide an otherwise unattainable opportunity for the Chinese astronomical community to make significant discoveries, perform cutting-edge science, and advance technological development,” said Jun Yan, director of the NAOC. “We believe our joint effort will foster a successful collaboration on this world-class project, and we hope to build high-technology, core components of the telescope.”

Several weeks ago, Ka‘iu Kimura, the new director of ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center, told us about her wish to build a center that would be suitable for accommodating international scientific conferences. Although I understood her words, I did not fully understand what she was saying until I saw this new announcement.

During that same conversation, master navigator Kalepa Babayan told us of attending international conferences at Athens and Hamberg as a representative of ‘Imiloa. ‘Imiloa participated because of its uniqueness as a center of world astronomy that includes the native Hawaiian culture in association with its astronomy. Sitting in Kuhio Grill with Ka‘iu Kimura, Kalepa Babayan, Clyde Hayashi, Wally Ishibashi and Pete Lindsey, we were all amazed at the international reputation of ‘Imiloa. I asked, “You mean the Athens? Not Athens, Georgia?” Kalepa said matter of factly—yes, Athens, Greece.

China’s entering into the TMT project as a partner is one more indication of the importance, the specialness, of Mauna Kea, Hawai‘i and the Hawaiian people.