World’s Largest Optical Telescope Set to Launch in 2028

The Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), expected to become the most powerful optical telescope globally, will begin operations in 2028, Khaama Press reported yesterday.

Located in Chile’s Atacama Desert, the ELT features a primary mirror nearly four times the size of a tennis court, providing 40 times the light-gathering ability of the James Webb Space Telescope.

Project manager Davide Diana highlighted the telescope’s intricate design, noting that its 798 hexagonal mirror panels are designed for precision, operating on a thin layer of oil. The telescope’s dome stands 74 meters tall and can rotate significantly, enhancing its observational capabilities.

One of the ELT’s primary goals is to identify Earth-like planets in nearby galaxies, with astronomers hopeful for groundbreaking discoveries. Despite challenges faced by other telescope projects, construction of the ELT, backed by 16 European nations, is progressing smoothly. The ELT promises to revolutionize our understanding of the universe and the potential for life beyond Earth.