The Extremely Large Telescope: Science Prospects and Engineering Challenges

Talk by Colin Cunningham FIET FInstP FSPIE CEng, RAEng Visiting Professor, University of Edinburgh, School of Engineering.

The European Southern Observatory is building an optical and infrared telescope four times larger in diameter than any existing today. I will describe the engineering challenges of this giant telescope, and give a preview of some of the exciting astronomy discoveries that may result, from the first galaxies to earth-like planets.

CERN Courrier article on the ELT – Astronomers Scale New Summit

Visitors are welcome at our meetings, but because of the popularity of our talks, visitors must register for a free ticket as visitor spaces are limited. Visitors can also leave after the main talk or are welcome to stay on for the rest of the meeting. Tickets will go live 1 month before the event.Also at our meetings:

• What’s in the night sky this month
• Overview of astronomy and space news
• Occasional member presentations