Experience the Stunning Sunrise Behind the World’s Largest Telescope: A Breathtaking View You Can’t Miss!

A stunning new photograph from the European Southern Observatory (ESO) shows the sun rising behind the **Extremely Large Telescope** (ELT), still under construction in the Chilean Atacama Desert. Captured by Eduardo Garcés on April 12, 2025, the silhouette of the massive telescope’s dome against the glowing sky is truly breathtaking. This image marks a significant moment in the ELT’s journey, as the world’s largest optical and infrared telescope aims to transform our understanding of the universe when it begins operations in 2028.

The ELT, located on Cerro Armazones, is rapidly progressing. Its dome has begun to take shape, featuring sliding doors designed to protect the telescope from harsh weather. This dome measures an impressive **305 feet (93 meters)** in diameter and stands **263 feet (80 meters)** tall, making it a prominent feature of the Atacama Desert landscape.

The telescope’s centerpiece, a **130-foot-wide primary mirror**, is the largest ever built for an optical telescope. Once completed, the ELT will capture detailed images of **habitable exoplanets**, the formation of galaxies, supermassive black holes, and the mysterious nature of dark matter and dark energy. According to a 2023 ESO report, the ELT could enable insights into exoplanets that may support life, pushing the boundaries of our astronomical knowledge.

On that memorable morning, Garcés snapped a picture of the ELT with the rising sun illuminating the construction site. This photo reflects the scale and ambition of the project. Earlier this year, the ELT celebrated its **topping out ceremony**, a traditional milestone marking the completion of a significant phase, such as the installation of one of the dome’s sliding doors.

As work progresses, the colossal mirror, measuring **39 meters (128 feet)**, continues to be assembled. It will grant astronomers unprecedented resolution and clarity, offering insight into the atmospheres of distant exoplanets and the early universe. The thoughtful design also includes two lateral sliding doors that will shield the telescope from dust and light during the day. At night, these doors will open to reveal the clear desert skies. Additionally, ESO engineers have integrated measures to protect the telescope’s delicate instruments from harsh conditions.

When the ELT begins operations, it will provide a clearer picture of the universe than ever before. Its groundbreaking technology will allow astronomers to study some of the faintest celestial objects, improving our understanding of dark energy and dark matter. This new era of astronomical discovery promises not only to enhance our knowledge of the cosmos but also to inspire a new generation of scientists to explore the uncharted territories of space.

For more information on this project, visit the official ESO website.

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