Construction continues on the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) in Chile, with the dome now being fitted with protective cladding and supports for the primary mirror. The European Southern Observatory (ESO) is making progress on this ambitious project, which is set to be the world’s largest telescope once completed in 2028.
The cladding being installed on the dome serves as a thermal insulation barrier and provides weather resistance to protect the telescope from the harsh environment of the Atacama Desert. This protective layer is crucial for maintaining the telescope’s functionality and longevity in such extreme conditions.
In addition to the cladding, work has begun on the beam structure for the dome’s sliding doors, which will open at night for observations and close during the day for protection. These doors will help shield the telescope from the desert’s high temperatures and dusty conditions, ensuring optimal performance during nighttime sky surveys.
Photos from the construction site also reveal progress on the support structure in the center of the dome, where the ELT’s massive primary mirror will eventually be housed. This mirror, measuring 128 feet wide and weighing 200 tons, is composed of 798 individual hexagonal segments, making it the largest segmented mirror ever built for a telescope.
The ELT will feature a total of five mirrors, each with a specific role in observing the cosmos. The primary mirror (M1) will work in conjunction with the secondary mirror (M2) and tertiary mirror (M3) to collect and reflect light for detailed astronomical observations. The innovative design of the mirror support structure will enable smooth movement and precise adjustments to account for various environmental factors.
As construction progresses, the ESO continues to provide updates and insights into the development of the ELT. The telescope’s capabilities will extend beyond our solar system to explore exoplanets and study the early universe, offering new opportunities for groundbreaking research and discovery in astronomy.
Stay tuned for more updates on the construction of the world’s largest telescope and the exciting discoveries that lie ahead in the realm of space exploration.
