World's largest telescope rises in Chile, set to unlock the mysteries of the cosmos
There is magic in gazing at the stars—an ancient human pursuit that inspires us to wonder and ask questions. Now place yourself in the sparsely populated Chilean desert, under one of the planet's best viewing night skies, as a gigantic telescope begins to rise. This is the drama that's unfolding in the
Atacama Desert
, where the
European Southern Observatory
(ESO) is building a scientific wonder: the
Extremely Large Telescope
(ELT).
Operation Sindoor
'Our job is to hit target, not to count body bags': Air Marshal Bharti on Op Sindoor
Precautionary blackout imposed across parts of Rajasthan, Punjab
'Indian Navy was in position to strike Karachi': Vice Admiral on Operation Sindoor
When finished, it will be the world's
largest optical telescope
, an engineering marvel that will transform our perspective of the universe.
An extremely large telescope emerges beneath a starry sky
An ethereal photograph recently taken by one of ESO's public live webcams is a dreamlike blend of nature and science. The image shows the ELT worksite illuminated by the Milky Way's bright stripe. A crane cable slices across the frame like a tight fishing line, hanging still as if grasping for the stars themselves. Inside the bony white skeleton of the half-constructed dome, support beams etch what will be an unprecedented scientific instrument.
The bulging outlines of the telescope's enormous dome doors, around the center, are taking form. When they are working, those doors will be playing an important role: safeguarding delicate optics from searing dust particles and blasting desert winds without inhibiting the telescope from casting its gaze out into the universe in unparalleled precision.
Recorded by ESO's live build webcam, the picture doesn't even suggest the size of this behemoth undertaking. When finished, the ELT dome will rise 80 meters high—about as high as Big Ben without its spire. For reference, construction equipment parked at ground level seems minute compared to the gargantuan structure. But the scale is not just physical—it's astronomical. When it comes online, the ELT will collect more light than any optical telescope currently on the planet, allowing scientists to glimpse the universe in ways previously unimaginable. Its potential will shed light on everything from how the first galaxies gave birth to our cosmos to the atmospheres of exoplanets that could harbor life.
How the ELT invites the world to witness its creation
What is so easy about this project is the way it is open to the public. With ESO's live webcam facility, anyone, anywhere in the world, can watch the ELT being built as it happens. You can stay at home and watch every bolt screwed, every beam levelled—every milestone reached. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a giant of science taking shape before your eyes, under the watchful eyes of stars which have stood guard over humankind for thousands of years.
The ELT represents more than just a technological leap—it's a symbol of humankind's enduring quest to understand the universe. Set against the backdrop of one of Earth's most pristine night skies, this telescope is a bridge between past and future, Earth and cosmos. As the construction continues, and the dome slowly closes in on completion, we're reminded that even the grandest achievements begin with the quiet placement of steel beams—watched over by the stars.
Also Read |
Soviet spacecraft Kosmos 482 crashes to Earth after 53 years, raising concerns over space debris
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
20 hours ago
- The Hindu
Sports optometry research lab launched by Sankara Nethralaya's optometry institution
A sports optometry research lab was launched on Saturday by the Elite School of Optometry (ESO), run by Sankara Nethralaya, at the college's international optometry conference. The three-day Elite School of Optometry's International Vision Science and Optometry Conference, or EIVOC 2025, includes over 60 speakers from around the world, covering topics from basic optometry to advanced areas like AI and imaging. At the inauguration of the conference on August 16, cricketer Krisnamachari Srikkanth unveiled the sports optometry research lab, along with T.S. Surendran, Chairman, Sankara Nethralaya, Girish Shiva Rao, President and Medical Director, N Anuradha, Principal, ESO. The new research lab will focus on improving the visual efficiency of athletes to help them enhance their performance in sports. It was said that the lab will explore how sports measurements can be integrated into clinical training, helping professionals enhance their performance. At EIVOC, dignitaries released 10 new textbooks on optometry, a website for the integrated optics module, a digital psychophysics lab, and an app for optometric essentials. Mr. Surendran said that the proceedings of the conference, which includes knowledge sharing by experts from around the world, will shape the future of optometry over the next five years. Additionally, the Indian chapter of the Global Leaders in Optometry for Women, an initiative to support women optometrists and encourage the younger generation to pursue the profession, was launched. P.D. Santanam, former principal of ESO, S. Pradeep, Consultant, Sankara Nethralaya, V. Vasudevan Lakshminarayanan, professor at University of Waterloo, Rashima Asok, scientific chair of EIVOC 2025 and professor at ESO, were present.
United News of India
2 days ago
- United News of India
ISRO Chief gets Kalam award for success of Spadex, Axiom, NISAR missions and for critical space system support for successful Op Sindoor
Chennai, Aug 15 (UNI) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman and Secretary, Department of Space Dr V Narayanan was today presented the former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam award by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin for the successful Spadex and NISAR missions and for the critical space system support by ISRO for the recent successful 'Operation Sindoor', which was one of the major achievements under his able leadership. Dr. Narayanan, in his brief tenure as DOS Secretary, has proven his visionary leadership with several achievements. They included the 100th launch from SHAR Range the successful completion of Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) mission making India the fourth country in the world to achieve this, and the successful completion of Axiom mission wherein the second Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla travelled to International Space Station and brought back safely. Dr Narayanan led a high-level delegation which was instrumental in insisting and correcting the Liquid Oxygen leakage in the Falcon-9 vehicle and ensuring safety of the four astronauts onboard Axiom-4 mission including Shubhanshu Shukla from India which otherwise would have led to catastrophic failure. The award was also to hail the recent successful launch of the prestigious and technologically complex NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar Spacecraft using GSLV vehicle. The critical space system support by ISRO for the recent successful 'Operation Sindoor' by India was one of the major achievements under his able leadership, the Government said. He is also spearheading the complex cutting edge technology developments feeding to national missions like Gaganyaan programme, Chandrayaan-4 and 5, Venus Orbiter Mission, Bharathiya Anthariksh Station, Next Generation Launch Vehicle and many more including an Indian astronaut landing on the moon and returning safely. Dr. Narayanan, in his illustrious career, has been honoured with more than 35 most prestigious awards including Distinguished Alumni Award and Life Fellowship Award from IIT, Kharagpur, Gold Medal from Astronautical Society of India (ASI). He is a Member and Fellow of a large number of prestigious National and International Scientific and Technical forums. Born in a small village Melakattuvilai in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, Dr. Narayanan was a brilliant student throughout his academic career. He studied in Tamil Nadu Government School and completed Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Government. Polytechnic, Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu. Later, he obtained in Cryogenic Engineering with a silver medal and first rank and Ph.D. from IIT, Kharagpur. Dr. Narayanan was appointed as Secretary, DoS and Chairman, ISRO and Chairman, Space Commission in recognition of his distinguished career in ISRO spanning 41 years with multiple key leadership roles including the post of Director, Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre of ISRO for seven years. He pioneered in the propulsion systems of rockets and satellites for ISRO, working in critical and cutting edge technologies of propulsion systems, and realisation of large infrastructure. As a propulsion system technocrat, his professional career is studded with several major achievements like leading the Cryogenic propulsion realisation and stage development for India's self-reliance in launch vehicle technology making it one amongst the six countries having this technology. As a Project Director, instrumental in development of C25 Cryogenic Stage for LVM3 launch vehicle and obtained three world records. He was responsible for successful completion of development of Cryogenic Propulsion System from engine hot test to successful flight in 28 months with only 3 engines. Dr. Narayanan's key contributions to pan-ISRO activities include his leadership in development of propulsion systems for launch vehicles and spacecraft of Chandrayaan-2 and 3 missions including the development of throttleable propulsion system for soft landing of Lander and Rover of Chandrayaan-3. After the unsuccessful landing attempt of Chandrayaan-2, he was appointed as the Chairman of the National Level Expert Committee to analyse the reason for the setback. Under his Chairmanship, this committee made critical recommendations for improvement which resulted in the resounding success of Chandrayaan-3 mission. Similarly, he has played a major role in various other national missions like Aditya L1, One Web India missions, etc., and was instrumental in drafting the road maps of Space Transportation Systems of ISRO as the Chairman of Space Transportation System (STS) Programme Management Council. Dr. Narayanan is striving to provide techno-managerial leadership for achieving excellence in Space Transportation, Infrastructure and Space applications benefitting common citizens of our country as well as creating and nurturing a vibrant space eco-system in India. UNI GV 1425
Hans India
2 days ago
- Hans India
Atmanirbhar Bharat is the foundation of a strong, developed India: PM Modi
New Delhi: On the 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Modi underscored 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' as one of the key foundational planks for 'Viksit Bharat', citing India's advances in Defence, technology, energy, space, and manufacturing. Highlighting 'Operation Sindoor', PM Modi said strategic autonomy and indigenous capabilities are key to decisively tackling threats, making self-reliance the bedrock of national strength, dignity, and the journey to a developed India by 2047. Here are the key highlights of PM Modi's address at Red Fort. Defence Self-Reliance and 'Operation Sindoor': PM Modi hailed 'Operation Sindoor' as a demonstration of India's Defence self-reliance. He emphasised that indigenous capabilities, including 'Made-in-India' weapons, enable India to act decisively and independently, proving that national security cannot rely on foreign dependence. Space sector independence: Celebrating the remarkable achievements of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, PM Modi announced ambitious plans for India's very own space station, signalling a new era of indigenous space capabilities. He highlighted that over 300 startups are actively innovating in satellites, exploration, and cutting-edge space technologies, ensuring that India is not just participating but leading globally in space science and exploration. Clean and renewable energy: PM Modi stressed the importance of energy independence, saying that for the bright future of the nation's youth and for welfare of farmers, this has to be done. He declared that while the world debated global warming, India had resolved to achieve 50 per cent clean energy by 2030, yet, thanks to the commitment of its people, that goal was met by 2025. Solar, Nuclear, hydro, and hydrogen energy have been advanced, marking a decisive step towards energy independence. PM Modi highlighted India's focus on expanding Nuclear energy through private sector participation. He noted that 10 new Nuclear reactors are currently operational and emphasised that by India's 100th year of Independence, the nation aims to increase its Nuclear energy capacity tenfold, strengthening energy self-reliance and supporting sustainable growth. National critical minerals mission: To secure resources essential for energy, industry, and Defence, India has launched the National Critical Minerals Mission, exploring 1,200 sites. PM Modi highlighted that controlling these minerals strengthens strategic autonomy, ensuring India's industrial and Defence sectors remain self-reliant. National Deepwater Exploration Mission: India will harness its deepwater energy resources, strengthening energy self-reliance and reducing dependence on foreign fuel imports. Agricultural self-reliance and fertilisers: PM Modi stressed the urgent need to produce fertilisers domestically to empower farmers and protect national food security. Reducing import dependence ensures the nation's agricultural sector thrives independently, safeguarding farmers' welfare and strengthening India's economic sovereignty. Digital sovereignty and indigenous platforms: The Prime Minister called on the youth to develop India's own social media platforms and digital infrastructure, ensuring communication, data, and technological ecosystems remain secure and independent, reinforcing India's digital autonomy. Self-reliance in medicines and innovation: The Prime Minister highlighted India's strength as the 'pharmacy of the world' and stressed the urgent need to invest more in research and development. He asked, 'Shouldn't we be the ones providing the best and most affordable medicines for the welfare of humanity?' He also highlighted India's growing strength in domestic pharmaceutical innovation, emphasising the need to develop new medicines, vaccines, and life-saving treatments entirely within India. Drawing inspiration from India's COVID-19 response, where indigenous vaccines and platforms like CoWin saved millions of lives globally, he urged the nation to expand this spirit of innovation. Championing swadeshi: He urged citizens and shopkeepers to champion India-made goods under the 'Vocal for Local' initiative, stressing that swadeshi should stem from pride and strength, not compulsion. Mission Sudarshan Chakra: PM Modi announced the launch of 'Mission Sudarshan Chakra', aimed at neutralising enemy Defence infiltrations and enhancing India's offensive capabilities. He linked the mission to Lord Krishna's 'Sudarshan Chakra', highlighting how India draws inspiration from its rich cultural and mythological heritage to guide modern Defence innovations. This mission underscores India's commitment to strategic autonomy, ensuring rapid, precise, and powerful responses to any threat.
