A breathtaking new photograph from the European Southern Observatory (ESO) captures a stunning sunrise behind the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), currently being built in the breathtaking expanse of the Chilean Atacama Desert.

Snapped by talented photographer Eduardo Garcés on April 12, 2025, the image highlights the imposing silhouette of the telescope’s vast dome, beautifully contrasted against the radiant sky.

A Game-Changer in Astronomy is On Its Way!

This snapshot marks a significant milestone for the ELT, which is set to transform our cosmic understanding when it kicks off operations in 2028. Located atop Cerro Armazones, the construction of the ELT has recently achieved a pivotal moment.

The observatory’s dome is taking form, with newly installed sliding doors designed to protect the telescope from extreme weather conditions. Impressively, the dome stretches a whopping 305 feet (93 meters) in diameter—roughly the size of a football field—and soars to a height of 263 feet (80 meters), dominating the desert landscape.

Unprecedented Scale and Advanced Technology

The ELT boasts the largest primary mirror ever constructed for an optical telescope, measuring an astonishing 130 feet (39 meters) wide. This astonishing capability will allow astronomers to capture high-resolution images of habitable exoplanets, explore the evolution of the universe's earliest galaxies, and unravel the mystery of dark matter and dark energy.

A Unique Moment in Construction

On that memorable April morning, Garcés not only documented the sunrise but also encapsulated the spirit of a project that’s heralding a new era in astronomical research. Taken from the nearby Cerro Paranal, home to the ESO’s Very Large Telescope, the photograph features the dome emerging prominently amidst the bustling construction site.

This photo coincides with the ELT's topping out ceremony, known locally as "Tijerales," which celebrated the completion of one of the dome's sliding doors.

Cutting-Edge Design for Stellar Observations

The telescope continues to progress, with the assembly of its massive 39-meter (128 feet) mirror ongoing. This technological marvel is set to enable astronomers to explore everything from the atmospheric conditions of distant exoplanets to the mysteries surrounding the universe's formative galaxies.

Featuring two lateral sliding doors, the dome has been ingeniously designed to shield the telescope from dust, rain, and light during the day. When night falls, the doors will open to reveal a crystal-clear view of the starry desert sky.

Moreover, ESO engineers have deployed specialized mechanisms to keep the dome sealed, safeguarding the telescope’s sensitive instruments from the harsh desert environment.

A New Dawn for Astronomy Awaits!

As the ELT races towards completion, it stands on the threshold of reshaping humanity's quest to unravel the secrets of the cosmos. The dawn captured in Garcés’ stunning photograph heralds not just a daybreak, but a groundbreaking chapter in astronomical discovery!