To the power of 10

[clive milne]

The following pick is from the ESO webcam (at Cerro Paranal) overlooking Cerro Armazones. It shows the state of ground works for the E-ELT which is scheduled for completion in 2024. The telescope will operate in the optical and infrared spectrum with a diffraction limited 3' field of view. The primary mirror will have an aperture of 39m. To put that in to perspective, the AAT at Siding Springs is approximately 1 power of 10 larger than a 16" telescope. The E-ELT is 1 power of 10 larger than the AAT.

https://www.eso.org/public/archives/static/pano/latest/POI/preset_1.jpg


http://www.eso.org/public/teles-instr/e-elt/

[xelasnave]

I was looking for something a bit larger really.
Very interesting thanks Clive.

[multiweb]

There was an interesting presentation at the latest South Pacific Star Party about very large telescopes and the next generation of soccer field sized modular mirrors. At the end they showed simulations of what to expect with comparisons between the HST, James Webb and this one. It made even James Webb look like a coke bottle. Exciting times ahead.