Announcements 2025

14 March 2025: As a result of delays experienced during construction, ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) is now set to make its first test observations at the beginning of 2029, with “telescope first light” expected in March 2029. Afterwards, the first instruments will be installed and commissioned, leading to “scientific first light” in December 2030. This updated ELT schedule has been put in place after several of the telescope contracts suffered delays. The reasons for these delays are not untypical for such large, cutting-edge projects, ranging from harsh weather conditions at the construction site, to technological developments taking longer than expected, and equipment failing during manufacturing. After the telescope sees first light, it will be optimised before receiving its first scientific instruments. ESO’s ELT is now expected to deliver the first scientific observations in December 2030. With this revised schedule, ESO wants to ensure the telescope and its instruments are ready to deliver ...

6 March 2025: The President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and his delegation have completed a visit to ESO’s Paranal Observatory in Northern Chile, home to some of the most advanced ground-based telescopes in the world. The visit marks the first time a German President has visited ESO’s facilities in Chile. Yesterday, President Steinmeier and his delegation were welcomed by ESO’s Director General Xavier Barcons at the Paranal Residencia, before heading for a visit of ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) and its interferometer (VLTI) guided by ESO’s Representative in Chile, Itziar de Gregorio-Monsalvo and the Director of the La Silla–Paranal Observatory, Thomas Klein. “It’s an honour to welcome President Steinmeier to ESO’s Paranal Observatory. A founding member state of ESO and the host to our headquarters, Germany has made very significant contributions to ESO over the past decades,” said ESO’s Director General Xavier Barcons. “We are grateful for the country’s unfailing support and look ...

7 January 2025: This month, Spanish astrophysicist Itziar de Gregorio-Monsalvo became ESO’s new Representative in Chile. She takes over the position from Luis Chavarría, who held the role since 2021. The ESO Representation Office in Chile acts as a bridge between ESO and Chilean society, fostering collaborations with national and local authorities across the host country. De Gregorio-Monsalvo will be the first woman to lead this office. “I am honoured for the opportunity to strengthen the longstanding friendship with Chile, working together to explore the Universe while preserving the country’s pristine skies,” says De Gregorio-Monsalvo. “Inspiring future generations of scientists through the power of diversity as a driver of innovation and collaboration is one of my goals. I believe astronomy is a strong force for societal change and development, and I am committed to contribute to solidifying Chile’s position as the world’s astronomy capital." Itziar de Gregorio-Monsalvo has a PhD in astrophysics from ...