Model for the future

In the mid-2020s, the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) will become the world’s largest mirrored telescope when it finally sees first light with its enormous 39-metre main mirror. On-site construction began in 2014 on top of Cerro Armazones in Chile. While still in its design stage, this 3D rendering shows the planned design of the ELT’s dome. The two large sliding doors stretching across the top of the dome will open synchronously during the night, allowing the telescope to gaze deeply into our Universe.