In the desert of Atacama In northern Chile, an ambitious project is underway that could revolutionize astronomy: the construction of the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT). This colossal instrument, known as “the world’s largest eye in the sky”, is part of the European Southern Observatory (ESO), an organization that includes 16 European countries among its members, in addition to Australia as a strategic partner and Chile as a country host. The ELT aims explore the mysteries of the universeand its operations are expected to begin in 2028.
The ELT will be equipped with a 39-meter primary mirror in diameter, which will make it the world’s largest ground-based telescope in visible and infrared light. The astronomer and representative of ESO in Chile, the Dr. Luis Chavarriaargues that the ELT operations could represent a paradigm shift in our perception of the universe, comparing this achievement to that of Galileo 400 years ago.It will take us beyond what we have ever seen before” Indian.
The ELT’s capabilities will allow scientists to address some of the most complex questions in modern astronomy. Chavarría highlights that the telescope will allow researchers study in detail black holes, the first galaxies that formed in the universe, as well as dark energy and matter. Additionally, it could help locate Earth-like planets and possibly find evidence of life outside our solar system.
The construction of the ELT has represented a feat of engineering. Due to its size, the primary mirror, identified as M1will be composed of 798 ceramic glass hexagons, joined together like a honeycomb. Tobias MüllerELT’s on-site assembly, integration and verification manager, oversees the coating process of the M1 mirror segments in a controlled room at the observatory. “It’s like an incubator for the pieces”Explain.
The astronomer Michael Marssetwho has worked at ESO’s Paranal Observatory since 2021, mentions that The ELT will capture images five times sharper than those of the James Webb Space Telescopethanks to the size of its primary mirror. “The bigger a telescope is, the more detail we can see in the universe,” he says.
The road to completion of the ELT has not been without challenges. extreme desert conditions present obstacles during construction. Marco Bravosite supervisor, measures wind speeds to ensure gusts do not endanger workers inside the telescope dome. Marcela Espinozatelescope and instrument operator in paranalmonitors weather conditions to protect the telescopes. Despite his advanced technology, Espinoza also uses what he calls his official machine: the human eye. “If bad weather appears, protecting the telescopes always comes first”says.
The ELT will be part of a technology constellation in the Atacama Desert, which has an ideal site due to its dry and clear atmosphere. Other renowned telescopes, such as Very Large Telescope (VLT) of ESO, are located in the same region. Davide Deianadeputy director of the ESO site, compares the structure of the ELT with the Colosseum in Rome: “It’s like Chile’s own Coliseum”says Deiana, who has also worked at the ALMA observatory in Atacama.
The project, started in June 2014, experienced a two-year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is currently more than 50% complete. Once completed, the ELT is expected to spur unexpected discoveries and new areas of research. “Everything is well planned. This will be revolutionary,” concludes Deiana.
