BIG EYE

The image on the left examines the dust particles associated with the comet Hale-Bopp.  This in-depth examination will someday soon be the result of the world's largest land-based telescope; the European Space Observatory's European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT).

Comprised of a 42 meter primary mirror that is comprised of 984 individual mirror components the E-ELT has four other mirrors in its system.  Each of these mirrors complete the process of making distant celestial images more accessible, and more discernible.  Not yet operational, the construction phase of the E-ELT will begin in 2011 with a "first light" planned for 2018. The project will cost approximately one billion euros.

I have been very fortunate in receiving a lovely illustrated presentation on the E-ELT from ESO.  In addition they have an excellent web-site that provides both background and project progress information on the program.  It is exciting and well worth a visit. Here is a link to their website.  Additionally, here is a video trailer that gives some quick facts on E-ELT.

Hi, ET!  We see you!

**Please note, the above image is not from the "not-yet-built" E-ELT, but it is from the ESO and we appreciate their permission to publish it here.  It is copyright protected and all rights are reserved.