eso9844 — Organisation Release

Second 8.2-m VLT Mirror and its Cell Arrive at Paranal

22 September 1998

The "First Light" event for the first 8.2-m VLT Unit Telescope (UT1) already four months past, the first major astronomical instrument (FORS1) has now been mounted on this telescope, and the first test observations are under way.

During the past months, much work has been going on in the second enclosure and the telescope within (UT2) is quickly taking shape. Following installation of the optics, etc. it is now expected that it will see "First Light" with the VLT Test Camera, not later than April 1999.

Meanwhile, the mirror cell for the second 8.2-m mirror has arrived at Paranal and the mirror itself, well protected in its transport box, arrived after the long trip from Europe in the evening of September 20. The transport went well and the incoming inspection showed "green lights" on the shock indicators. The mirror is now waiting for its coating and integration with the M1 cell which is scheduled for December 1998.

Here are some related electronic photos, obtained by ESO staff on these occasions.

More information about the Very Large Telescope (VLT) project is available on the ESO Web.

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