Core Viewpoint - The article highlights concerns within the American scientific community regarding budget cuts to research funding under President Trump's administration, particularly affecting the operations of the Rubin Observatory and other astronomical projects, potentially allowing China to surpass the U.S. in the field of astronomy [1][6]. Funding and Budget Cuts - President Trump's administration plans to cut the budget of the National Science Foundation (NSF), which could negatively impact the operation of the Rubin Observatory and halt other telescope projects [1]. - The NSF has invested nearly $600 million in the construction of the Rubin Observatory, with an additional $320 million from the Department of Energy, and it is expected to require $80 million annually once operational [1]. - The proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year suggests a reduction of more than half of the NSF's funding, providing only $3.9 billion [5]. Project Development and Concerns - The Rubin Observatory is currently in the testing phase and is set to begin official operations in October, having already demonstrated significant observational capabilities [1][2]. - The Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) project, located about 130 kilometers north of the Rubin Observatory, is still in early development, requiring an additional $1.3 billion from the NSF to ensure completion by 2035 [4]. - Concerns have been raised that budget cuts could lead to delays or even halt the construction and operation of both the Rubin Observatory and the GMT project [4][5]. Impact on Research and Workforce - The NSF's workforce has decreased from 1,800 to 1,100 employees, leading to concerns about the agency's functionality and the uncertainty surrounding funding for research projects [5]. - The reduction in funding has already affected graduate student recruitment in astronomy programs, as noted by a professor at the University of Pennsylvania [5][6]. - The lack of young researchers could hinder the effective utilization of the Rubin Observatory's data, as senior astronomers rely on graduate students and postdocs for data analysis [6]. Global Competition - American astronomers fear that reduced support for the Rubin Observatory and GMT could allow other countries, particularly China, to take the lead in astronomical research [6]. - China has already constructed the world's largest single-dish radio telescope and is developing additional projects in Argentina and Chile, indicating its capability to catch up with the U.S. in astronomy [1][6].

位于青藏高原柴达木盆地西北边缘的青海省海西蒙古族藏族自治州茫崖市冷湖镇，曾是因石油而兴、又 因油尽而沉寂的工业遗址小镇。八百里瀚海戈壁，冷湖镇似乎与世隔绝。然而，得天独厚的地理条件， 让冷湖镇成为理想的观星地，近年来，当地发展科幻特色文旅，让戈壁小镇焕发新的生机。 据介绍，冷湖天文观测基地已累计引进12家科研单位45台望远镜。一台台大型天文望远镜在赛什腾山上 建成，宛如"巨眼"仰望苍穹。 依托戈壁奇景和天文资源，冷湖打造出火星实验室等一批"出圈"地标。暑假期间，前往冷湖参加天文夏 令营的研学团络绎不绝。在无边旷野中发射火箭、在雅丹地貌中观测群星……既锻炼了孩子们的动手和 团队协作能力，又激发了他们对航天科技的兴趣。 连续举办多届的"冷湖科幻文学奖"，更让这片土地成为科幻创作的新高地。 对科幻作家杨平而言，来 冷湖，即是圆梦。"我的科幻写作缘自童年的星空，而在冷湖，群星布满整片天空，让我觉得无比震 撼，这是一个神奇而又独特的地方。"杨平说。 从石油废墟到星际梦境，荒漠星河之间，冷湖镇以科幻点亮文旅新场景，也为中国西北工业小镇的转型 探索出一条充满想象力的新路径。（记者张龙 齐芷玥） 在青甘大环线旅游最为火热的时 ...