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February 10, 1996
Web posted at: 2:37 p.m. EST
From Correspondent Ronnie Lovler
CERRO PARANAL, Chile (CNN) -- Astronomers may soon be able to view the secrets of the universe through the eyes of the world's largest telescope.
Above the clouds on a Chilean mountain top, the European Southern Observatory is building the VLT, which stands simply for: very large telescope.
"Astronomers will be able to look further into the universe and even to draw conclusions of the creation of universe," said Jorge Eschwey, site manager for the VLT project.
The VLT is actually four telescopes -- all more than 26 feet in diameter that will work as one through a light measuring process known as interferometry. The telescope will be able to identify objects on the moon as small as three feet long.
The $500 million project is backed by a consortium of eight European observatories, which already has one astronomical center on another mountain peak in Chile. Two other observatories also operate in Chile.
Chile's Andean desert is ideal for astronomical observation because of its clear skies and dry air. The Paranal mountain top, where the VLT is being built, has the added advantages of isolation, a stable climate and about 350 clear nights a year.
"To construct in such a remote area is a big risk, for any organization, but we chose the site in spite of this because of meteorological and atmospheric conditions are just superior," said Eschwey.
The project was almost scuttled over a property dispute. Astronomers considered taking their project to Namimbia. But the lawsuit was resolved in January when the government agreed to pay land claimants almost $7 million.
"We are looking very much forward to not be further disturbed and catching up on lost time. We are glad we are in Chile and can finish this project," said Eschwey.
The first telescope will be operational next year and the finished project will stand as much as a tribute to feats of engineering as to the science of astronomy.
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