Reframing astronomical research through an anticolonial lens -- for TMT and beyond

TL;DR

This paper critically examines the colonialist and white supremacist roots of professional astronomy, advocating for decolonization and proposing steps to address these issues, especially concerning the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea.

Contribution

It offers a novel anticolonial framework for astronomy, emphasizing the need to reject colonial benefits and centering indigenous perspectives, particularly in the context of TMT.

Findings

Identifies colonialist influences in astronomy

Proposes steps for decolonizing astronomical research

Supports indigenous sovereignty in scientific projects

Abstract

This white paper explains that professional astronomy has benefited from settler colonial white supremacist patriarchy. We explicate the impact that this has had on communities which are not the beneficiaries of colonialism and white supremacy. We advocate for astronomers to reject these benefits in the future, and we make proposals regarding the steps involved in rejecting colonialist white supremacy's benefits. We center ten recommendations on the timely issue of what to do about the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) on Maunakea in Hawaii. This paper is written in solidarity with and support of efforts by Native Hawaiian scientists (e.g. Kahanamoku et al. 2019).