The European Southern Observatory has shared a fresh look at the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), highlighting the progress of its massive dome in Chile’s Atacama Desert.
The new image, released recently, shows the impressive 80-meter-tall dome nearing completion, which will eventually house a giant 39-meter primary mirror. This mirror is set to be four times larger than those used in earlier telescopes.
The dome’s exterior is currently being fitted with aluminum cladding. This outer layer will help shield the delicate optics from the harsh desert heat and maintain a stable temperature at night. The dome’s design includes shock absorbers to protect against earthquake tremors, a vital feature given the seismic activity in the region.
Once finished, the dome will be able to rotate, granting the telescope clear access to the celestial wonders above while safeguarding its sensitive instruments from the extreme desert environment.
Completion of the dome is expected by 2027. After that, the installation of five massive mirrors will follow. Astronomers hope to achieve “first light”—the initial test observations—by early 2029, with the first scientific data collection anticipated in December 2029.
The ELT aims to revolutionize ground-based astronomy, providing unmatched views of distant galaxies and the possibility of discovering new Earth-like exoplanets. According to experts, this telescope will let scientists explore the universe in ways we’ve never seen before, enhancing our understanding of cosmic phenomena.
As excitement builds, it’s clear that the ELT will play a crucial role in shaping the future of space exploration. For more details on the world’s largest telescope, explore this article.
