This has been a limitless dream of astronomers. The last decade of the 20th
century was an exciting era for such astronomers. More
than ten 8-10m telescopes have been constructed at excellent sites
for observing. Highly efficient detectors for optical and infrared
observations have enabled great progresses in understanding of star
formation, structure of the universe, etc.
Such innovations achieved discovery of galaxies and Gamma-ray
bursts at very high redshift, which are objects in an era of the
re-ionization of the universe, and detection of formation sites of
extra-solar planets. However, new discoveries also have been bringing
new mystery. Now observing with higher efficiency and higher
resolving power is desired for further understanding of the universe.
elescope is proposed as a next generation
ground-based telescope. This plan is aiming at construction of
30m-class telescope, which is nearly four times larger in diameter
than Japan's largest telescope Subaru.
The ELT project group started its activity from April 2005 as a first
phase (phase A) project at National Astronomical Observatory of
Japan. The project group has been conducting development of new
technology for future optical and infrared telescope by
collaborations with astronomers and engineers in universities.
1)
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development of ultra-high precision grinding system for segmented mirrors |
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2) |
development of zero-expansion pore-free ceramic (ZPF) as a new materials for segmented mirror |
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3) |
design of three aspherical surface optical system |
|
4) |
detailed design of telescope structure |
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5) |
developments of sensors for mirror support and actuators |
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6) |
conceptual design for next generation adaptive optics system |
|
7) |
planning observational instruments |
