Construction Progress of the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT)

The construction of the European Southern Observatory's (ESO) Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) is making staggering strides as the colossal structure begins to take shape on the Cerro Armazones mountain in Chile's Atacama Desert. Scheduled to see its "first light" by 2028, this astronomical marvel is set to revolutionize our understanding of the universe by observing terrestrial exoplanets and their atmospheres while measuring cosmic expansion.

Significant Advancements and Features

Recent images released by the ESO reveal significant advancements in the construction of the ELT, particularly the dome, its central structure, and the base of the primary M1 mirror — the largest of five mirrors that will collaborate to explore the cosmos. Once completed, the M1 mirror will span an impressive 128 feet (39 meters) in diameter and tip the scales at a staggering 200 tons.

The Future of Astronomical Research

This extraordinary telescope promises to be a flagship project for the ESO for the next 20 years, aiming to delve deeper into the mysteries of the universe. The unique white lattice structure visible at the heart of the dome is designed to support the M1 mirror, ensuring that it can adjust seamlessly to varying conditions such as gravitational shifts, wind pressures, vibrations, and temperature variations.

Innovative Documentation of Construction Process

To keep enthusiasts and scientists alike informed of the telescope's progress, the ESO is employing on-site webcams, drone technology, and a variety of photographs to document every phase of the construction process. The public can eagerly follow developments through a live 24/7 webcam feed, while time-lapse videos beautifully capture the scene as the sun rises over this groundbreaking facility.

Symbol of Technological Triumph