Time-lapse Video Showing the Assembly of a Full-Size Mock-up of the E-ELT Mirror

This time-lapse shows the building of a full-size replica of the E-ELT mirror by participants at ESO’s Open House Day 2011 in Garching bei München. Measuring 39.3 metres across and occupying an area of nearly 1000 square metres, the replica was made with 798 cardboard hexagons, each around 1.4 metre across. The assembly of the replica took some four hours, built with enthusiasm by children and adults alike.

Gusts of wind occasionally blow off some of the hexagons during the course of the video, leading to much excitement, especially among the younger generation. On the right, the Munich U-Bahn trains can be seen flashing by, while aircraft trails streak the clear blue sky. In the distance an advertising banner can be seen moving around over Munich.

The E-ELT will be the largest optical/infrared telescope in the world.