The ESO Very Large Telescope Project

Daniel Enard

doi:10.1117/12.963533

20 August 1986 The ESO Very Large Telescope Project

Daniel Enard

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 0628, Advanced Technology Optical Telescopes III; (1986) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.963533
Event: 1986 Astronomy Conferences, 1986, Tucson, United States

Abstract

The ESO VLT base line concept is a fixed array of four 8 m telescopes; other concepts based on the same optical configuration for the unit telescopes are however still considered. Among other possibilities, the two main options for the primary mirror blank are either low expansion glass ceramic or highly structured steel. Limited tests have been done with both solutions. The unit telescopes have a classical Alt-Azimuth architecture but are designed so as to operate in the open air without a surrounding building. Their proper functioning relies heavily on the active control of the optical elements. The building is intended to provide only a day time protection. Several types of low cost enclosures have been investigated. A partial protection against the prevailing strong winds is also under consideration.

Citation Download Citation

Daniel Enard "The ESO Very Large Telescope Project", Proc. SPIE 0628, Advanced Technology Optical Telescopes III, (20 August 1986); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.963533

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