The Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT), pictured here in an artist's rendering, is set to be the largest optical telescope ever built on Earth.
The Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT), pictured here in an artist's rendering, is set to be the largest optical telescope ever built on Earth.
Giant Magellan Telescope -- GMTO Corporation
The $1 billion project, announced by the Giant Magellan Telescope Organization, will soon begin construction on a mountainside at Las Campanas in northern Chile. The isolated location high in the dry air of the Atacama Desert will provide the perfect setting away from urban light pollution.
The $1 billion project, announced by the Giant Magellan Telescope Organization, will soon begin construction on a mountainside at Las Campanas in northern Chile. The isolated location high in the dry air of the Atacama Desert will provide the perfect setting away from urban light pollution.
Giant Magellan Telescope -- GMTO Corporation
When finished, the GMT will overtake the Gran Telescopio Canarias of Spain, which is currently the world's largest single-aperture optical telescope.
When finished, the GMT will overtake the Gran Telescopio Canarias of Spain, which is currently the world's largest single-aperture optical telescope.
Giant Magellan Telescope -- GMTO Corporation
Astronomers hope to use the giant telescope to search for habitable planets, as well as to explore mysteries surrounding dark matter and dark energy.
Astronomers hope to use the giant telescope to search for habitable planets, as well as to explore mysteries surrounding dark matter and dark energy.
Giant Magellan Telescope -- GMTO Corporation
Additionally, the telescope will offer a window back in time to the earliest days of the universe and reveal the first objects to emit light.
Additionally, the telescope will offer a window back in time to the earliest days of the universe and reveal the first objects to emit light.
Giant Magellan Telescope -- GMTO Corporation