Extremely Large Telescope, Scientific Objectives and Significance

Context: 60% Construction of the Extremely Large Telescope is completed. It is expected to make its first scientific observations by the end of 2028.

About Extremely Large Telescope (ELT)

• ELT is an advanced ground-based astronomical observatory under construction in northern Chile.
• It is designed to be the largest optical and infrared telescope in the world, enabling deep-space exploration.
• Project Cost: $1.51 billion, funded by the European Southern Observatory (ESO).
• It will be the largest optical-infrared facility for several decades.

Scientific Objectives of ELT

Exoplanet Exploration

• Direct imaging of Earth-like exoplanets in habitable zones.
• Analysis of exoplanet atmospheres to detect signs of life (biosignatures) like oxygen, water vapour and methane.

Understanding the Early Universe

• Observing the first stars and galaxies formed after the Big Bang.
• Investigating dark matter and dark energy, which drive cosmic expansion.

Detailed Study of Stars & Galaxies

• Identifying individual stars in distant galaxies.

Black Holes & Cosmic Structures

• Examining supermassive black holes at the centres of galaxies.
• Understanding galaxy formation and evolution over billions of years.

Reason behind location at Chile’s Atacama Desert

• Dry Climate: Minimal cloud cover and humidity for clear observations.
• High Altitude: At 3,046 meters above sea level (Armazones Hill), reducing atmospheric interference.
• Minimal Light Pollution: Remote location ensures dark skies are optimal for deep-space imaging.

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