The European Southern Observatory’s (ESO) Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) is making significant progress in its construction, with the completion of the dome’s steel skeleton. Situated on the Cerro Armazones mountain in Chile’s Atacama Desert, the ELT is expected to be operational by 2028.
The dome of the ELT, measuring 262 feet (80 meters) high and 289 feet (88 meters) wide, is currently being fitted with dark blue panels that serve as protective insulation. These panels will cover the entire dome and consist of different layers, including thermal insulation and an aluminum exterior sheet. The telescope will operate at night when the dome opens its observing slit, scanning the sky for celestial wonders. During the day, the dome will remain closed, with air conditioning maintaining a stable temperature to protect the telescope from the harsh environment of the Atacama Desert.
Additionally, a central concrete foundation known as the azimuth structure has been revealed in recent progress photos. This foundation will shield the telescope from vibrations traveling through the ground and will support the telescope and its various scientific instruments for its cosmic explorations ahead. ESO emphasizes that
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