ELT Dome’s observation Hatches Begin first Movements, Signaling Major Milestone
Cerro Armazones, Chile - In a demonstration of engineering precision, the first of the Extremely Large Telescope‘s (ELT) massive observation hatches recently completed its initial movement, marking a critical step toward the telescope’s 2029 commissioning. The hatches,each weighing in at a future 650 tonnes – exceeding the maximum takeoff weight of an Airbus A380 (575 tonnes) – are integral to the 80-meter high dome that will house the world’s largest optical/near-infrared telescope.
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) is constructing the ELT on Cerro Armazones in the Chilean Andes. This advancement signifies more than just mechanical progress; it paves the way for the completion of the telescope’s structure by 2026 and the subsequent installation of its 39-meter diameter primary mirror in 2027. Once operational,the ELT will boast a light-gathering power twenty times greater than that of the Very Large Telescope (VLT),currently ESO’s flagship observatory,and promises to fundamentally reshape our understanding of astrophysics,including the search for and characterization of exoplanets.
The time-lapse of the hatch’s movement underscores the sheer scale and complexity of the project. Currently, work continues to fully equip the hatches with essential systems like walkways, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
those interested in following the ELT’s construction can view live feeds from several webcams located at the site: https://elt.eso.org/about/webcams/.
