Wed Feb 05 05:59:21 UTC 2025: ## Giant Telescope Poised to Revolutionize Astronomy
**Santiago, Chile –** Construction of the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), a $1.51 billion project of the European Southern Observatory (ESO), is nearing completion in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. Expected to be operational by the end of 2028, the ELT will be the world’s largest optical-infrared telescope for decades.
The 60% complete telescope, boasting a 39.3-meter-wide primary mirror composed of 798 smaller mirrors, aims to redefine our understanding of the universe. Scientists plan to utilize the ELT to study the formation of the earliest galaxies, characterize stars in distant galaxies, and analyze the atmospheres of exoplanets for potential biosignatures. Its unprecedented capabilities will allow researchers to peer further back in time than ever before, searching for clues about the universe’s origins and the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
Located on Armazones Hill, approximately 3,000 meters above sea level, the ELT’s location in the Atacama Desert provides optimal viewing conditions. The telescope’s mirrors are ready for installation, marking a significant milestone in the project. According to ESO representative Itziar de Gregorio, the ELT “will impact practically all areas of astronomy.”
First Piper 