The National Science Foundation (NSF) is considering funding the construction of a 142.8-foot high Advanced Technology Solar Telescope (ATST) on the summit of Haleakala on state lands managed by the University of Hawaii’s Institute of Astronomy.  

The project is being proposed by the National Solar Observatory operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy.  

ATST Program Manager Craig Foltz stated, “The proposed telescope would significantly help in furthering our understanding of solar activity and how it affects space weather.  This knowledge would aid us in understanding how space weather creates hazards for communications to and from satellites, and hazards to astronauts and air travelers. It also would help us understand the role of solar activity on the Earth’s climate.”  

The only access road to the site is through Haleakala National Park. The National Park Service must issue a Special Use Permit for commercial vehicles to use the park road — which is a historic road — during the construction and operation of the proposed telescope project, if approved.