Model of the ELT

Once built, this gigantic structure will hold the world’s largest optical telescope, the Extremely Large Telescope or ELT. The combined weight of the ELT’s 5 mirrors, multiple scientific instruments and base structure will reach around 4600 tons. The planned dome encompassing this structure will reach 88 metres across and 80 metres tall. This extra 6000 tons dome shielding is necessary for the protection of the telescope’s 39-metre segmented main mirror from the elements in the Chilean Atacama Desert.