World's Largest Telescope Takes Shape in Desert

The European Southern Observatory's Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), set to be the world's largest visible- and infrared-light telescope, is under construction in Chile's Atacama Desert. Expected to achieve "first light" by 2028, the ELT aims to study exoplanets and the universe's expansion. Recent photos show significant progress on its dome and primary mirror housing. The M1 mirror will be 128 feet wide and weigh 200 tons, with the entire structure expected to be completed by 2026. The project is a major milestone for the ESO, with live updates available via webcams and drone footage.