Volcano will get biggest telescope

By Associated Press  • 



The telescope would be able to observe planets that orbit stars other than the sun and enable astronomers to watch new planets and stars being formed. It should also help scientists see about 13 billion light-years away for a glimpse into the early years of the universe.

Construction is expected to top $1 billion.

The telescope’s segmented primary mirror, which is nearly 100 feet long, will give it nine times the collecting area of the largest optical telescopes in use today. Its images also will be three times sharper.

But the telescope might not hold the world’s largest title for long. A group of European countries plans to build the European Extremely Large Telescope, which will have a 138-foot-long mirror.