The European Southern Observatory has released a new view of Earth. super large telescope (ELT), A giant outer dome is nearing completion at Cerro Almazones in Chile’s Atacama Desert.
What is it?
This newly released photo taken in December 2025 (and released on February 11) reveals how construction is progressing on ELT’s 80-meter (260-foot) high protective dome, which will in future install a 39-meter (128-foot) concave primary mirror, four times larger than the one used by its predecessor.
This photo shows an impressive view of the ELT’s huge electric door, which is in the process of receiving its outer aluminum cladding. Once in place, the outer skin helps protect the optic from intense heat during the day while limiting cooling at night. Meanwhile, a shock absorber built into the base of the structure serves to protect the telescope from threats. earthquake trembling.
Once completed, the entire top of the giant dome will rotate on a concrete “pier” below, giving the telescope unfettered access to the pristine dark sky above, while simultaneously protecting its surroundings. Delicate instruments inside Beyond extreme desert environments.
When will it be ready?
The dome is scheduled to be completed in 2027, and soon after that five giant mirrors, responsible for collecting and directing light from deep space, will be installed in its new home.
Astronomers hope to conduct the first test observations with ELT (a milestone known as “first light”) in early 2029, with the first scientific observations scheduled for December of next year.
ELT is expected to bring major advances in terrestrial optical and infrared fields astronomygiving scientists the clearest view of distant space objects ever achieved and searching for unknown Earth-like objects exoplanet and expand our understanding of the universe in general.
Please see the explanation article for more details. Facts about the world’s largest telescope!