ann25001 — Annuncio
Telescope first light for ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope now planned for March 2029
14 Marzo 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 ...
