Giant Magellan Telescope Moves Forward with National Science Foundation Approval

The Giant Magellan Telescope has received official approval from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to advance into its Major Facilities Final Design Phase, a crucial step before becoming eligible for federal construction funding. This milestone recognizes the observatory's scientific merit, construction progress, and alignment with U.S. science and technology priorities.

The Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) is actively involved in the Giant Magellan project, particularly in developing the GMT-Consortium Large Earth Finder (G-CLEF) spectrograph. G-CLEF will enable the telescope to measure the masses of Earth-like planets and detect important molecules in exoplanet atmospheres. The GMT will also study supernovas, early galaxies, and planet formation.

Engineers and scientists from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) are leading the development of the Moderate Dispersion Optical Spectrograph for the Giant Magellan, which will support research on star and planet formation as well as cosmology.

The Giant Magellan Telescope, backed by nearly $1 billion in private funding, is a collaborative effort involving 15 universities and research institutions. Construction is well underway across the U.S. and in Chile, with major components being manufactured and tested in various states.

The NSF's decision to advance the Giant Magellan into the Final Design Phase follows the release of its FY2026 Budget Request and a positive evaluation report. The telescope is strategically located in Chile's Atacama Desert, offering exceptional observing conditions and forming a key part of the U.S.-led astronomical strategy in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Giant Magellan Telescope is crucial for U.S. astronomy, aligning with the National Academies' 2020 Decadal Survey on Astronomy and Astrophysics. It will enable groundbreaking discoveries and maintain American leadership in ground-based astronomy.

According to the source: Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian.