About

Located in the Atacama Desert in Chile, the ELT will be the world's largest optical and infrared telescope, with a primary mirror measuring 39 meters (128 feet) in diameter. The ELT aims to revolutionize our understanding of the universe by enabling astronomers to explore the most distant objects in the cosmos with unprecedented detail and clarity. With its large light-collecting surface and advanced adaptive optics systems, the telescope will be able to deliver images that are 16 times sharper than those obtained by the Hubble Space Telescope. The ELT will be equipped with a wide range of scientific instruments, including spectrographs and cameras, enabling scientists to conduct a variety of research projects such as the study of exoplanets, the detection and characterization of galaxies, and the investigation of the nature of dark matter and dark energy. The construction of the ELT began in 2017, and it is scheduled to become operational in the mid-2020s. The project represents a major technological and engineering challenge, as it involves various innovative designs and materials. The primary mirror, for instance, is composed of 798 hexagonal segments that need to be precisely aligned to form a seamless surface. Once completed, the ELT will undoubtedly push the boundaries of observational astronomy, providing valuable insights into the mysteries of the universe and furthering our understanding of its origin and evolution.