Protecting the ELT

A huge structure is required to protect ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) from the elements. The telescope's structure and optical elements, including its giant 39-metre main mirror, will be housed in the largest telescope dome in the world, which is shown in this 3D rendering, along with the auxiliary building. The ELT’s dome will open its large sliding doors during the nightly telescope observations, while the rest of the structure shelters the telescope from the wind. The entire upper enclosure will rotate, allowing the telescope to observe different areas of the night sky.