Constructing the largest telescope

#construction #telescope #space #astronomy #planets #ELT #Europe #Chile #stars

The European Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) is being built in Chile, and when completed, it will be the world’s largest optical telescope (about five times larger than current ones). The main mirror of the telescope will measure 39 meters across and will be located on a 3,000-meter-high mountain in the Atacama Desert. It will begin operations in 2024. The construction costs are estimated at $1.12 billion.

The telescope will have the ability to find smaller planets and image larger ones, going as far as characterizing their atmospheres. This is being considered one of the greatest examples of the possibilities of science, and will help in discoveries of planets orbiting other stars, which in turn might be exo-planets.

Atacama Desert was chosen because of its dry atmosphere that provides perfect observing conditions. By the 2020s, the region will have almost 20 percent of the World’s astronomical infrastructure.

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A telescope with better range and clearer observation. A great chance for humanity to know more about space & universe, spot some exoplanets, and some aliens.

A 6.9 earthquake in Chile – no casualties

#6.9magnitude #earthquake #Chile #Santiago #Argentina #tsunami #naturaldisaster

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Child on April 25th. The quake’s epicenter was about 137 kms from Santiago and 35 kms from the west of Valparaiso. With a depth of only 25 kms, the quake was felt hundred of kilometers away. However, no serious damage was done.

The residents, along with children, headed for the hills in an orderly manner when the tsunami alarm sounded, which was the main reason for no casualties. The tsunami warning was later cancelled and only small waves, as high as 15 cm, were seen, as per the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

Even though the quake didn’t do much damage, it was felt as far away as Argentina, on the other side of the Andes.

Strict construction codes also helped the buildings from damage in Chile.

Several aftershocks including two of magnitudes 5.0 and 5.4 were recorded in the same spot and could be felt in Santiago.

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Pray that no one is missing, and that life gets back to normal as soon as possible.

Chile shaken by earthquake on Christmas day

A 7.6-magnitude earthquake hit southern Chile on Sunday, leading to thousands of people evacuating the coastal areas. The epicenter of the quake was just 39 km southwest of Quellon, off the coast, and was at a depth of about 34.6 km according to the U.S> Geological Survey. Fortunately, no casualties or major damage were reported.

Witnesses reported intense shaking in their homes and were shocked by the loud noise. People fled on foot, in cars and on horsebacks, all seeking for higher ground amid torrential rains as sirens buzzed the area for a potential Tsunami. However, the Chile National Emergency Office (ONEMI) lifted both the evacuation order and a tsunami watch three hours after the quake. ONEMI also mentiond that about 21,000 homes had been left without power.

People reported that there were at least a dozen of weaker aftershocks, damage was concentrated along a highway that runs across Chiloé Island, where traffic was shut in one direction and on smaller roads and bridges. Read the full article here.