planet's most expansive telescope outlines in morning sunrays | Daily space photograph for September 17, 2025
The European Extremely Large Telescope: A Giant Leap in Astronomical Discovery
The European Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) is currently being constructed in the Atacama Desert of Chile, set to become the world's largest optical and infrared telescope. This ambitious project, operated by the European Southern Observatory (ESO), is poised to revolutionise our understanding of the universe.
Located atop Cerro Armazones, a mountaintop in Chile, the ELT's position offers an ideal environment for astronomical observations. The lack of light pollution and moisture in the area will allow the telescope to take more accurate readings, providing a clearer view of the cosmos.
The ELT's primary mirror, a staggering 128 feet (39 meters) wide, will make it the largest optical and infrared telescope in the world when completed. This colossal mirror will enable the telescope to observe light from the most ancient parts of the universe, helping us to explore the earliest galaxies formed after the Big Bang.
The ELT's advanced instrumentation will also enable a wide range of astronomical research. It will allow astronomers to see fainter and more distant objects than ever before, and even image exoplanets in reflected light. This could lead to the discovery of new planets, and potentially even signs of life beyond our solar system.
The operational phase of the ELT will mark the dawning of a new era in astronomical discovery. Its construction, with a cost of 1.3 billion euros (approximately $1.4 billion US), is one of the most significant projects for the study of astronomy.
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A photograph of Cerro Armazones, taken at an elevation of 10,052 feet (3,064 m) above sea level, offers a glimpse into the breathtaking landscape where this groundbreaking telescope is being built.
As the ELT comes online, it will undoubtedly provide us with a deeper understanding of the cosmos and our place within it. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project.
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