Blank Canvas: the ELT’s M2 Mirror Blank

This image shows the massive 3-ton blank for the ELT’s secondary mirror. This technological blank has been successfully machined from a slab of the low-expansion ceramic material ZERODUR into its near-final form by the German company SCHOTT.

M2 will be the largest ever secondary mirror employed on a telescope, as well as the largest convex mirror ever produced. Fabricating this highly convex, aspherical mirror is a considerable challenge — and the result will be a truly remarkable example of pioneering optical engineering. The secondary mirror and its support system — weighing 12 tonnes —  will hang upside-down high above the 39-metre primary mirror.

Crediti:

SCHOTT

Riguardo l'immagine

Identificazione:ann19003a
Tipo:Fotografico
Data di rilascio:Mercoledì 16 Gennaio 2019 10:00
Annunci a riguardo:ann19003
Grandezza:2362 x 1772 px

Riguardo all'oggetto

Nome:Extremely Large Telescope
Tipo:Unspecified : Technology
Categoria:ELT

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