The Extremely Large Telescope doors move for the first time

Описание: As the construction of ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) continuously develops, its performance needs to be secured at every step. Today’s Picture of the Week is a timelapse of an important milestone: the first movement of one of the dome’s giant doors.

The ELT dome and its doors guard the telescope from the harsh conditions of the Atacama Desert in Chile. Each of the doors will weigh approximately 650 tonnes once completed, including walkways, ducts for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and other related mechanisms already installed. Moving these massive doors is no small feat, and the test shown in this timelapse, captured in early October, is key to ensuring that everything works as it should.

Once both doors are fully installed and operational they will be closed, providing a more stable and controlled environment inside the dome for the upcoming construction phases. These include installing critical systems like the hydrostatic oil bearings that will allow for a smooth and precise movement of the telescope. Once the ELT is in operation the doors must respond quickly to protect the telescope against sudden changes in the external conditions. At night, the doors will allow the biggest eye on the sky to scrutinise Chile’s uniquely dark skies.

Credit:
ESO/ACe