SCHOTT goes ELT

SCHOTT is part of the new mega project of the European Southern Observatory (ESO): the Extremely Large Telescope, ELT for short, that will have a main mirror 39 meters in diameter and is currently being built in Chile. These dimensions will make it the largest ground-based optical telescope in the world for visible and near-infrared light ... We are “extremely” happy to be part of it!
On this platform, you will find news, stay informed about important milestones of the project and get exciting and exclusive insights into our contribution to the new mega telescope. Follow us on social media too!
On this platform, you will find news, stay informed about important milestones of the project and get exciting and exclusive insights into our contribution to the new mega telescope. Follow us on social media too!


SCHOTT & the ELT: Everything you need to know in 6 minutes
08-01-2017
With a primary mirror diameter of 128 feet and a building height of 279 feet, the ELT is a project of superlatives. But it is not just the sheer scale of the building and its instruments that have the ability to impress. The construction processes are also outstanding. We have prepared a short movie that explains the challenging ZERODUR® production in six minutes, and sheds a light on the sophisticated logistics.
With a primary mirror diameter of 128 feet and a building height of 279 feet, the ELT is a project of superlatives. But it is not just the sheer scale of the building and its instruments that have the ability to impress. The construction processes are also outstanding. We have prepared a short movie that explains the challenging ZERODUR® production in six minutes, and sheds a light on the sophisticated logistics.

Innovation Roundtable in China about the ELT
07-14-2017
On July 11, SCHOTT hosted an Innovation Roundtable for Chinese media in Beijing. The event focused on the ELT and SCHOTT’s contribution to this project. Furthermore, the participants learned how specialty glass and glass-ceramic can attribute to ambitious Chinese projects in the area of astronomy space.
On July 11, SCHOTT hosted an Innovation Roundtable for Chinese media in Beijing. The event focused on the ELT and SCHOTT’s contribution to this project. Furthermore, the participants learned how specialty glass and glass-ceramic can attribute to ambitious Chinese projects in the area of astronomy space.

SCHOTT to equip the main mirror of the world’s largest telescope with ZERODUR® glass-ceramic
05-30-2017
The gigantic 39-meter primary mirror for the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) will soon be made up of 798 ZERODUR® glass ceramic components. SCHOTT is set to deliver a total of 949 mirror substrates, including spares, made of ZERODUR® to the European Southern Observatory (ESO).
The gigantic 39-meter primary mirror for the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) will soon be made up of 798 ZERODUR® glass ceramic components. SCHOTT is set to deliver a total of 949 mirror substrates, including spares, made of ZERODUR® to the European Southern Observatory (ESO).

4-meter mirror blank cast for the ELT project
05-15-2017
The ELT team of SCHOTT Advanced Optics cast the 4.25-meter secondary mirror substrate (M2) for the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) mid of May.
The ELT team of SCHOTT Advanced Optics cast the 4.25-meter secondary mirror substrate (M2) for the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) mid of May.

ELT site Chile: Land of extremes
05-02-2017
After careful consideration, the ESO selected Chile as the site of the world’s largest telescope. Optimal conditions for astronomical observation were required.
After careful consideration, the ESO selected Chile as the site of the world’s largest telescope. Optimal conditions for astronomical observation were required.

“Extremely” precise
04-25-2017
New CNC machine enables highly accurate processing of mirror components for the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT).
New CNC machine enables highly accurate processing of mirror components for the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT).

Capacity expansion in record time
02-10-2017
Interview about the challenges of constructing the second ZERODUR® glass-ceramic melting tank and perfect teamwork.
Interview about the challenges of constructing the second ZERODUR® glass-ceramic melting tank and perfect teamwork.

The optical system of the ELT and the role of ZERODUR®
01-20-2017
This infographics shows the novel 5-mirror optical system of ESO's Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) and the position of the ZERODUR® mirror substrates.
This infographics shows the novel 5-mirror optical system of ESO's Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) and the position of the ZERODUR® mirror substrates.

The world’s largest telescope is made possible by this glass-ceramic from SCHOTT
01-18-2017
SCHOTT has been awarded a contract for the production of mirror substrates for the secondary (M2) and tertiary mirrors (M3) of the Extremely Large Telescope. M2 will be the largest convex mirror ever produced. A second melting tank will soon go into operation to meet the sustained high demand for ZERODUR® glass-ceramic.
SCHOTT has been awarded a contract for the production of mirror substrates for the secondary (M2) and tertiary mirrors (M3) of the Extremely Large Telescope. M2 will be the largest convex mirror ever produced. A second melting tank will soon go into operation to meet the sustained high demand for ZERODUR® glass-ceramic.