World's largest mirror approaches "first light" (16 April 1998)

The convoy with the 8.2-m Zerodur mirror in its Cell moves slowly up the wide road towards the telescope platform at the summit of Paranal. The Cell is placed on the air cushion vehicle that will later slide into place under the bottom end of the UT1 and lift the Cell so that it can be attached to the telescope structure.

The VLT Control Building is in the foreground. One of the cable ducts that leads from the Base Camp to the telescope area is seen on the slope in front.