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The construction of the world’s largest telescope, the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), has reached a pivotal moment with the assembly of its protective dome and expansive sliding doors. This visible- and infrared-light telescope, under development by the European Southern Observatory (ESO), promises unprecedented views of the cosmos. Set atop Cerro Armazones in Chile’s Atacama Desert, the ELT is anticipated to achieve “first light” by 2028.
Construction Milestone Achieved for the Extremely Large Telescope
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) recently released updated images showcasing the progress on the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), the largest visible and infrared light telescope globally. Located on Cerro Armazones mountain within Chile’s Atacama Desert, the ELT is slated to begin operations in 2028.
ESO shared a striking photograph taken on April 12 by Eduardo Garcés. The image, captured from Cerro Paranal mountain (site of ESO’s Very Large Telescope and located approximately 14 miles (23 kilometers) from the ELT), captures the sun rising behind the telescope, silhouetting the dome’s framework amidst the construction zone.
Dome Construction Reaches Peak
The ELT recently achieved a significant milestone with the completion of one of the dome’s sliding doors and the commencement of assembly on the second. According to an ESO statement, this marks the highest point in the dome’s construction.
Topping Out Ceremony Celebrates Progress
On April 16, ESO and Chilean flags were raised atop the telescope’s dome as part of a Topping Out or Roofing Ceremony (Tijerales in Chile). This celebration, which included a traditional barbecue for on-site workers, was also live-streamed for industrial and institutional partners in Garching, Germany, to commemorate the achievement.
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Protective Features of the ELT Dome
ESO provided a detailed view of the dome’s rooftop structure, showcasing the two flags waving in the strong desert winds. The dome features two laterally-opening sliding doors designed to protect the telescope from the harsh environment. These doors will:
- Remain closed during the day to shield the telescope from unwanted light.
- Open at night to allow for astronomical observations.
The dome also incorporates a sealing mechanism to prevent the intrusion of wind, rain, dust, and light.
Visualizing the Progress
Garcés previously captured a similar image in August 2023. The earlier photograph displayed a more skeletal frame of the dome before the installation of its protective cladding, accentuating the significant progress made in less than two years. This progress highlights the dedication of everyone involved in building the ELT.
Milky Way Over the Telescope
A photograph captured on April 14, using one of the live webcams on site, shows the bright Milky Way arching over the telescope’s dome. The stars in the night sky illuminate the white framework of the telescope’s main structure, which will support the optical equipment. This includes a 128-foot (39-meter) primary mirror, the largest ever created for an optical telescope.
ELT Capabilities and Scientific Goals
The dome of the Extremely Large Telescope is impressive, measuring 305 feet (93 meters) in diameter (roughly the size of a football field) and standing 263 feet (80 meters) tall. Armed with its massive 130-foot-wide (39.3m) mirror, the ELT will observe the universe in visible light, providing detailed insights into:
- Potentially habitable exoplanets
- The formation of early galaxies
- Supermassive black holes
- The nature of dark matter and dark energy