First Light For MATISSE Video Compilation

The new MATISSE instrument on ESO’s Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI) has now successfully made its first observations at the Paranal Observatory in northern Chile. MATISSE is the most powerful interferometric instrument in the world at mid-infrared wavelengths. It will use high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy to probe the regions around young stars where planets are forming as well as the regions around supermassive black holes in the centres of galaxies.

This selection of video clips shows the installation of the instrument at Paranal and the team during the first light observations.

The material has been edited especially for broadcast use, without commentary or music.