What's Happening?
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) has released a new image showcasing the progress of the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) construction in Chile's Atacama Desert. The photo, captured in December 2025 and released in February 2026, highlights the nearly
completed 80-meter-tall dome that will house the ELT. This dome is designed to protect a 39-meter concave primary mirror, which is four times larger than those used in previous telescopes. The dome features motorized doors with aluminum cladding to shield the optics from extreme temperatures and earthquake tremors. The structure is expected to be completed by 2027, with the installation of five large mirrors to follow. The ELT aims to provide unprecedented views of distant cosmic objects and enhance our understanding of the universe.
Why It's Important?
The completion of the ELT represents a significant advancement in ground-based optical and infrared astronomy. By providing sharper views of distant cosmic objects, the telescope will enable scientists to explore unknown Earth-like exoplanets and expand our knowledge of the cosmos. This development is crucial for the scientific community, as it promises to deliver insights that could reshape our understanding of the universe. The ELT's capabilities will also support various research initiatives, potentially leading to groundbreaking discoveries in astronomy and related fields.
What's Next?
The ELT's dome is scheduled for completion in 2027, with the installation of its mirrors to follow shortly after. Astronomers anticipate conducting the first test observations, known as 'first light,' in early 2029. The initial scientific observations are expected to commence by December 2030. As the project progresses, it will likely attract significant attention from the global scientific community, with potential collaborations and research opportunities emerging as the telescope becomes operational.
