Thirty Meter Telescope A Step Closer to Solving the Mystery of the Universe

The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) stands as one of the most ambitious and transformative scientific projects of the 21st century. TMT is set to be constructed on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, US, one of the premier locations on the earth for astronomical observations. The clarity and stability of the atmosphere above Mauna Kea facilitate incredibly detailed visual observations of the night sky, allowing TMT to capture the precise data required to test fundamental theories of physics and detect the faint signatures of life on distant worlds.

Our perception of the universe is poised to experience a significant transformation as a result of this international endeavour, conducted in partnership with highly influential nations and institutions. Astronomers will be able to investigate the universe in ways that were previously unimaginable. This will enable them to address some of the most profound questions currently being posed within the scientific community. The TMT is set to alter humanity’s relationship with the cosmos in various ways, including the unravelling of mysteries concerning dark matter and dark energy, as well as the quest for evidence of life beyond our solar system.

A NEW ERA IN GROUND-BASED ASTRONOMY

The TMT is the most advanced ground-based observatory in the world, designed to operate at wavelengths ranging from the optical to the mid-infrared of the electromagnetic spectrum. At its centre is a primary mirror that measures thirty metres in diameter, making it one of the largest ever constructed. This enormous mirror comprises 492 unique hexagonal segments, each meticulously crafted to work in harmony with the others. The telescope’s design incorporates cutting-edge advancements in precise control, segmented mirror technology, and adap­tive optics. These innovations will en­able the telescope to counteract distor­tions caused by the Earth’s atmosphere. As a result, the TMT will produce imag­es with a level of clarity and detail never seen before, significantly surpassing the capabilities of current telescopes.

An immense amount of scientific po­tential is housed within the TMT, allow­ing astronomers to investigate the birth of stars and planets, the development and evolution of galaxies, the growth of supermassive black holes, and the trajectory of galactic expansion. The TMT will offer insights into the epoch of reionisation, a crucial period in the universe’s history when the first stars and galaxies were formed, by observ­ing distant galaxies. Furthermore, the telescope will play a vital role in the characterisation of exoplanets, involv­ing the analysis of their atmospheres for biosignatures such as oxygen and methane. Through these capabilities, we will move closer to addressing one of humanity’s most perplexing questions: Are we the only ones in the universe?

A GLOBAL COLLABORATION

The TMT is a genuine global endeavour, with contributions from institutions in the USA, India, Canada, Japan, and China, with each offering unique knowl­edge and resources. India has emerged as a crucial player in the TMT coopera­tion, making significant contributions to both the hardware and software compo­nents of the telescope. India’s participa­tion not only enhances its own scientific and technological capabilities but also plays a vital role in shaping the future of astronomy.

INDIA AND TMT

The India-TMT Coordination Centre (ITCC), established at the Indian Insti­tute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru, is tasked with coordinating India’s in­volvement in the TMT project, working as the central hub for this project. Fund­ing is provided equally by the Depart­ment of Science and Technology (DST) and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). To showcase India’s expertise in precise engineering, advanced manufac­turing, and software development, In­dian scientists, engineers, and industry partners are currently engaged in several key areas of TMT.

The India-TMT Optics Fabrica­tion Facility (ITOFF) at the Center for Research and Education in Science & Technology (CREST) of the IIA was inaugurated on 29 December 2020 by then Vice President of India Venkaiah Naidu

HARDWARE CONTRIBUTIONS

India has made groundbreaking contri­butions for the hardware components of TMT, which are essential for ensuring the telescope’s performance and reliabil­ity. They also highlight India’s growing expertise in high-precision engineering.

1. Mirror Segments: The primary mirror of the TMT consists of 492 hex­agonal segments, each measuring 1.44 metres across. The India TMT Optics Fabrication Facility (ITOFF) in Hos­kote, near Bengaluru, is responsible for fabricating 84 of these segments. The establishment of this state-of-the-art facility marks a significant milestone in India’s ability to manufacture precise optics on a large scale.
2. Primary Segment Assembly (PSA): The segmented main mirror is vulnera­ble to distortions caused by fluctuations in temperature, wind, and gravitational forces. To mitigate the effects of these factors, India is currently designing and producing the Primary Segment As­sembly (PSA), which includes segment mounts, actuators, and position sensors. The inclusion of these components will ensure that the mirror segments remain precisely aligned, enabling the TMT to capture exceptionally sharp images of the universe.
3. Segment Support Assembly (SSA): India is also tasked with fabricating and integrating all 580 Segment Support Assemblies (SSAs), which are vital for maintaining the mirror’s shape within a tolerance of just two nanometres (nm).
4. Actuators: The TMT’s mirror seg­ments will be adjusted using 1,526 ac­tuators, all of which will be produced in India. Organised in sets of three for each segment, these actuators will allow for unprecedented precision in movement. Adjustments can be as fine as 4 nanome­tres, which is essential for maintaining the correct alignment of the mirror for optimal performance.
5. Capacitive Edge Sensors: The TMT will employ 3,284 capacitive edge sensors, also manufactured in India, to monitor the relative positions of the mirror segments. Each mirror segment will be equipped with six pairs of edge sensors capable of detecting positional changes with a tolerance of under five nanometres. These sensors will play a critical role in ensuring the mirror’s alignment.

SOFTWARE CONTRIBUTIONS

India is also taking a leadership role in developing the software systems that will control and operate the TMT, guaranteeing the telescope’s accuracy, reliability, and user-friendliness.

1. Observatory Software (OSW) and Telescope Control Software (TCS): India is responsible for supporting the software architecture as well as the end-to-end Observatory Software (OSW) system. This programme will control the telescope mount, mirrors, and en­closure, allowing for accurate pointing and tracking of celestial targets. Even in challenging conditions, the Telescope Control Software (TCS) will ensure that the telescope operates smoothly and ef­ficiently.
2. First Generation Science Instru­ments: India is also contributing to the development of first-generation science instruments that will be utilised by the TMT.

• Wide Field Optical Spectrograph (WFOS): India is at the forefront of examining the opto-mechanical design of the Wide Field Optical Spectrograph (WFOS) from start to finish. Furthermore, scientists and engineers from India are designing the instrument control software for WFOS. This instrument will employ a sensitive imaging and spectroscopic device to investigate the origin and devel­opment of galaxies and stars since the Big Bang. Over billions of years, WFOS will uncover essential insights into the formation and growth of cosmic structures.
• Additionally, the TMT will be equipped with the Infrared Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS), the Narrow Field Infrared Adaptive Optics System (NFIRAOS), and the Multi-Objective Diffraction-limited High-resolution In­frared Spectrograph (MODHIS), all of which exemplify first-generation instruments. With these tools, astrono­mers will be able to explore a wide range of phenomena, from the formation of planets to the dynamics of galaxies in the distant universe.

SCIENTIFIC IMPACT OF TMT

TMT’s sophisticated capabilities will enable astronomers to investigate some of the most fundamental questions in the scientific community. Through the observation of distant galaxies, the telescope will illuminate the role that dark matter and dark energy play in the evolution of the universe. This will be achieved by offering insights into the formation and development of cosmic structures. Furthermore, the TMT will explore the interactions between supermassive black holes and the galaxies they inhabit, aiming to clarify how these enigmatic objects influence the evolution of galaxies. In addition, the TMT will make a significant contribution to the search for life beyond Earth. By analysing the atmospheres of exoplanets, the telescope will identify potential biosignatures, such as oxygen and methane. This will bring us closer to addressing the age-old question of whether humanity is the only intelligent life in the universe. Additionally, the TMT’s superior imaging capabilities will allow astronomers to investigate the formation of stars and planets.

INSPIRING FUTURE GENERATIONS

The TMT symbolises global cooperation and inspires future generations to push the boundaries of what is possible. India’s contributions to the TMT underscore the country’s vital role in scientific endeavours. The TMT is more than just a scientific instrument; it represents humanity’s enduring desire to better understand the cosmos. There is no doubt that the TMT will transform our comprehension of the universe, and a lot of that will bear the stamp of India’s contributions to this collaborative effort.

*Dr Jyothish Madambikattil Sasi is a science communicator from Kerala and can be reached at jyothishmadambi@gmail.com. Dr Biju Dharmapalan is the Dean -Academic Affairs, Garden City Univer­sity, Bangalore and an adjunct faculty at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore. He can be reached at bijudharmapalan@gmail.com.