An international project led by European Southern Observatory (ESO) will be responsible construction of the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) in the Atacama Desert, northern Chile, which will not become alone a fundamental tool for further study universe, but inside the largest in the world ever built to date.
ANDThis inhospitable area of South America It was chosen for its weather conditionswhich I am ideal for astronomical observationthanks to its clear and stable sky, while this technological device also promises to revolutionize the astronomy capturing images with an unprecedented level of detail. “We are facing an advance as important as that made by Galileo Galilei in 1610,” commented the ESO astronomer in charge of the project, Luis Chavarría.
ELT will be located more than 3,000 meters above sea level, which will allow you to make the most of the altitude conditions avoid atmospheric interference. Furthermore, thanks to this location and its numerous innovative technical features, this telescope promises to open new frontiers in astronomyenabling scientists to do so explore the universe with unprecedented precision to date.
Even if at the beginning his Commissioning was scheduled for 2030 and was finally brought forward to 2028. While Its construction will require an investment of approximately 1.5 billion euros.. Among its main features will be this gigantic telescope equipped with a mirror 39.3 meters in diameter which will be the main axis of your observation system, since it will allow you to do so capture a huge amount of lightessential to observe celestial objects at extreme distances and get much sharper and more detailed images of the cosmos.
In turn, The mirror structure will be composed of 798 segments of ceramic glass, which will form a huge honeycomb, through which the ELT will be able to captures images 5 times sharper than those of the James Webb Space Telescopeuntil now, one of the most advanced telescopes in the world. “This innovative design represents a quantum leap in observation capability,” – concluded Chavarria.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and ESO Expert on the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT)
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Luis Chavarría, an esteemed astronomer from the European Southern Observatory, who is leading the groundbreaking project of the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) in the Atacama Desert, Chile. Thank you for joining us, Luis.
Luis Chavarría: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to share insights about the ELT and its potential impact on astronomy.
Editor: The ELT is poised to be the largest telescope ever constructed. Can you tell us what sets it apart from existing telescopes?
Luis Chavarría: Absolutely. The ELT will have an unprecedented collection area due to its 39-meter mirror. This immense size allows us to capture images that are much sharper and more detailed than what we can currently achieve. In essence, it’s like moving from a standard-definition television to a 4K Ultra HD screen, but for observing the universe.
Editor: That sounds revolutionary! You mentioned the Atacama Desert as the chosen location. What makes this site ideal for such a significant astronomical undertaking?
Luis Chavarría: The Atacama Desert is known for its exceptional weather conditions. It features a very dry climate, which means less atmospheric interference, and we enjoy an incredibly stable sky. These conditions are critical for astronomical observations because they allow us to see celestial objects with clarity and precision.
Editor: It’s fascinating how location plays such a crucial role. You made a compelling analogy comparing the ELT’s advancement to Galileo Galilei’s contributions in 1610. Can you elaborate on that?
Luis Chavarría: Certainly. Galileo’s use of the telescope opened up a new world of astronomical discovery, allowing us to see planets and moons in detail for the first time. The ELT is not just a step forward; it represents a leap in our capability to observe the universe. We’ll be able to explore distant galaxies, potentially discover new exoplanets, and even analyze the atmospheres of those planets in ways we never could before.
Editor: That brings to mind the possibilities of discovering extraterrestrial life! How do you foresee the ELT contributing to that field?
Luis Chavarría: The ELT will allow us to study the atmospheres of exoplanets, searching for biosignatures or indicators of life. With its advanced imaging capabilities, we can analyze the composition of distant worlds and look for the chemical markers associated with life as we know it. This could greatly enhance our understanding of where we fit within the universe.
Editor: Exciting prospects! However, such a massive project must come with challenges. What are some hurdles you’ve encountered in the construction of the ELT?
Luis Chavarría: Indeed, it’s a complex endeavor. One of our significant challenges is ensuring that the technology we use—such as adaptive optics to correct for atmospheric distortion—works seamlessly in such a remote location. Additionally, coordinating with international partners and ensuring sustainable practices during construction are also paramount.
Editor: It seems like a lot of effort is going into making this dream a reality. When does the ELT plan to begin its operations?
Luis Chavarría: We anticipate that the ELT will be fully operational by the late 2020s. While that may seem like a long time, the scale of the project necessitates meticulous planning and execution to ensure that we achieve our ambitious scientific goals.
Editor: Thank you, Luis, for sharing these insights into the Extremely Large Telescope. It’s clear that this project will not only revolutionize our understanding of the universe but also spark new generations of curiosity and discovery in astronomy.
Luis Chavarría: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this exciting project! We’re eager to unveil the mysteries of the universe with the ELT.