E-ELT groundbreaking event

Today a groundbreaking ceremony took place to mark the next major milestone towards ESO’s European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT). Part of the 3000-metre peak of Cerro Armazones was blasted away as a step towards levelling the summit in preparation for the construction of the largest optical/infrared telescope in the world.

From left to right: ESO Director General (2007–2017) Tim de Zeeuw, Chilean Vice Minister of National Assets Jorge Maldonado, Intendente de Antofagasta Valentin Volta and president of ESO council Xavier Barcons. Jorge Maldonado is holding the radio as he is giving the command for the blast.