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The altitude structure of ESO's ELT

ESO's Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) has been appropriately dubbed the "Colosseum of Atacama". Built by the European Southern Observatory, this mega-structure is seen in this picture under construction as of early 2025. The evening's sunlight traverses the ELT's dome, illuminating the altitude structure. This 50-meter-tall feat of engineering will carry all 5 mirrors of the ELT, including the giant M1 mirror on its base. The semicircular plate in the image is part of a hydrostatic frame that supports the altitude structure. It is perforated to allow air to flow from the mirror to the ambient air, preventing temperature differences. The ELT is not only a true Colosseum, but everything has been designed in extreme detail. 

Credit:

ESO/G. Vecchia

About the Image

Id:DJI_0391
Type:Photographic
Release date:8 January 2025, 15:28
Size:5472 x 3078 px

About the Object

Name:Extremely Large Telescope
Type:Unspecified : Technology : Observatory : Telescope
Category:ELT

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