Time-lapse Video Showing the Assembly of a Full-Size Mock-up of the E-ELT Mirror

This time-lapse shows the building of a full-size replica of the E-ELT mirror by participants at ESO’s Open House Day 2011 in Garching bei München. From this closer angle looking East, children and adults can be seen bringing segments to assemble the real-size replica of the giant mirror under a clear blue sky, with the help of ESO volunteers wearing white t-shirts branded with the ESO logo. Young helpers enthusiastically participated to make sure each and every segment was secured in place.

Measuring 39.3 metres across and occupying an area of nearly 1000 square metres, the replica was made with 798 cardboard hexagons, each around 1.4 metre across. The assembly of the replica took some four hours, built with enthusiasm by children and adults alike.

The E-ELT will be the largest optical/infrared telescope in the world.