ELT: The New Telescope that could Find the Origin of the Universe

Summary

In Chile's Atacama Desert, the world's largest telescope, the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), is under construction, offering astronomers unprecedented opportunities to explore the universe. Located at a remote, high-altitude site with optimal conditions for observation, the ELT will feature a massive mirror capable of collecting far more light than any other telescope, enabling scientists to study distant stars, galaxies, and even search for life on other planets. The video highlights the engineering marvel behind the project and the significant scientific advancements expected upon its completion in 2028.

Takeaways

• 🔭 The Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) is under construction in Chile's Atacama Desert, one of the driest and most isolated places on Earth.
• 🌍 The site of the ELT was chosen for its clear skies and optimal conditions for stargazing, with over 320 clear nights per year.
• 🏗️ Construction of the ELT began in 2014, with the summit of Cerro Armazones leveled to create a platform for the colossal telescope.
• 🌌 The ELT will have a massive primary mirror made up of 798 hexagonal segments, making it one of the largest telescopes ever built, collecting more light than any existing telescope.
• 💡 The ELT’s powerful mirror will collect 100 million times more light than the human eye, enabling astronomers to observe distant objects and events across the universe.
• 🔬 The ELT will increase the capacity for astronomical observation by a factor of 5000, potentially discovering new galaxies and exploring further reaches of space.
• 🚀 The project is part of the European Southern Observatory, which oversees several observatories in Chile, responsible for major astronomical discoveries, including the first image of a black hole.
• ⏳ The ELT is expected to be operational by 2028, and the total cost of the project is estimated to reach €1.5 billion.
• 🪐 Scientists are excited about the potential of the ELT to discover exoplanets and possibly locate planets with conditions favorable to life.
• 📅 The ELT is one of three major next-generation telescopes under construction, alongside the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) in Chile and the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) in Hawaii.

Q & A

Why was the Atacama Desert chosen as the location for the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT)?

The Atacama Desert was chosen due to its extremely dry climate, offering over 320 clear nights per year. The region is also free from light pollution, providing ideal conditions for astronomical observation.

What makes the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) a significant project in the field of astronomy?

The ELT is the world's largest telescope under construction and is expected to increase observational capacity by a factor of 5,000. It will have the largest primary mirror ever built, enabling scientists to explore deeper into space and study exoplanets and distant galaxies.

How does the ELT's primary mirror compare to other telescopes, including the James Webb Space Telescope?

The ELT's primary mirror will be 39 meters in diameter, significantly larger than the James Webb Space Telescope's 6.5-meter mirror. It will be made up of 798 hexagonal segments, providing far greater light-gathering capability than any other telescope, including those in space.

What challenges did engineers face in constructing the ELT at such a remote location?

Engineers faced challenges due to the extreme arid conditions, including low humidity that can dehydrate workers quickly, and intense UV rays at high altitudes. The construction also required leveling the summit of Cerro Armazones and creating a massive platform to support the telescope.

What unique structural features protect the ELT from natural hazards such as earthquakes and fire?

The ELT is equipped with a double seismic protection system, including hydraulic jacks and dampers to mitigate earthquake risks. Additionally, water tanks have been installed in the basement to act as a firefighting measure in case of a fire.

How does the ELT improve upon the existing Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile?

The ELT will collect 10 to 15 times more light than the VLT, enabling it to capture much fainter and more distant objects. While the VLT is currently the most powerful in the field of visible light observation, the ELT will surpass it in terms of capacity and precision.

What impact will the ELT have on the search for extraterrestrial life?

The ELT’s enhanced observational abilities may allow scientists to study exoplanets in unprecedented detail, possibly identifying planets with conditions suitable for life. This will be one of the major questions scientists hope to explore once the telescope becomes operational.

How does the light-collecting capability of the ELT compare to previous telescopes?

The ELT’s mirror will collect 100 million times more light than the human eye, 8 million times more than Galileo's telescope, and 10 to 15 times more than the current VLT, allowing it to observe much further into space.

What is the significance of the ELT's ability to 'go back in time' through light observation?

Because light takes time to travel, observing distant objects allows scientists to see them as they were in the past. The ELT’s ability to observe extremely distant galaxies will help researchers study the early stages of the universe and gain insights into cosmic history.

What are the other two major telescope projects under construction, and how do they compare to the ELT?

The two other major projects are the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) in Chile, with a primary mirror made of seven large segments totaling 25 meters, and the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) in Hawaii. Both are smaller than the ELT but share similar scientific goals of advancing our understanding of the universe.