The aim behind attracting thousands of astronomers from world over in the International Astronomical Union's annual conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, is to discuss new ideas in the field of astronomy.

However, it turned out during this year's conference that a group is in strong opposition to the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT). The International Astronomical Union's annual conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, was organized this week, but it saw vehement confrontation from protestors against the construction of the TMT.

Three-dozen protestors, who represented Mauna A Wakea, said the construction of the $1.4 billion dollar Thirty Meter Telescope atop the summit of Mauna Kea must stop.

Joshua Mangauil of Mauna A Wakea said the protest was no way meant for disrupting conference or astronomy itself; all it was aimed at was to attract attention to the location choice for the construction of not one, but two gigantic telescopes.

One of the telescopes is planned for Big Island and the other for Maui. Astronomers kept their focus on the proceedings at the conference and didn't pay any heed to the demands of protestors, who believe that the construction of the telescopes would adversely alter the environment there.

An IAU official said that they are planning to discuss the matter with the protestors so as to listen to what they want to say.

Institute for Astronomy at the University of Hawaii-Manoa director Gunther Hasinger said, "We've been speaking with (the demonstrators) and having very constructive conversations".