What To Know
- Thanks to its immense main mirror of 39 meters in diameter, the observatory will indeed be able to scrutinize the confines of the visible universe, to detect exoplanets Earth-like galaxies, study the first galaxies formed after the Big Bang, and analyze the nature of dark matter and dark energy.
- One of the recent and crucial steps in the construction of the TGE is the completion of the steel skeleton of its dome.
- During the day, the dome remains closed and a climate control system keeps the air inside at the same temperature as the outside, minimising turbulence that could blur the images captured by the telescope.
Construction of the European Giant Telescope (EGT) has reached a new major milestone with the completion of the steel skeleton of its dome. This ambitious project, led by the European Southern Observatory (ESO), promises to revolutionise astronomy by offering unprecedented observation capabilities.
A monster is preparing
THE European giant telescopecommonly known as the Extremely Large Telescope in English, will be the world’s largest telescope dedicated to observing visible and infrared light. Under development on Cerro Armazones mountain in Chile’s Atacama Desert, it is designed to capture images with unparalleled precision, far surpassing the capabilities of current telescopes. Expected to be operational by 2028this telescope should enable major discoveries in the field of astronomy and cosmology. Thanks to its immense main mirror of 39 meters in diameter, the observatory will indeed be able to scrutinize the confines of the visible universe, to detect exoplanets Earth-like galaxies, study the first galaxies formed after the Big Bang, and analyze the nature of dark matter and dark energy. Its infrared observation capabilities will also allow the study of star formation and planetary systems in unprecedented detail.
Construction progress
One of the recent and crucial steps in the construction of the TGE is the completion of the steel skeleton of its dome. The structure, which measures 80 meters high and 88 meters wideis now equipped with dark blue panels. These will serve as a protective covering. They include several layers of thermal insulation and an aluminium outer sheet to protect the telescope from the harsh conditions of the Atacama Desert. The design of the TGE dome plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal conditions for observing. The structure features a large observation slit that will open at night to allow the telescope to scan the sky. During the day, the dome remains closed and a climate control system keeps the air inside at the same temperature as the outside, minimising turbulence that could blur the images captured by the telescope. ESO has sharing On April 3, an impressive night photo taken inside the dome. It shows progress of the work with the heart of the Milky Way in the background illuminated by bright stars. The recent ESO image also shows a central concrete foundation, called the azimuthal structure, which is essential for the stability of the telescope. It will protect the TGE from vibrations from the ground, ensuring stable and precise observing conditions. The azimuthal structure will also preserve the telescope and its scientific instruments for many years of cosmic exploration to come.
Credits: B. Häußler/ESO The TGE will operate mainly at night, using its advanced capabilities to explore the mysteries of the universe. Astronomers hope that this giant telescope will yield groundbreaking discoveries that will radically change our understanding of the cosmos.
