Join us for an exciting journey into the cutting edge of astronomical technology! The Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) currently under construction in Chile will feature a staggering 39-metre primary mirror, allowing us to peer deeper into space than ever before.
Dr. Jürgen Schmoll, a professional optical expert from Durham University’s Centre for Advanced Instrumentation, will give an exclusive insider’s look at the spectrograph packages being developed for the ELT. Discover how advanced optics split starlight to uncover the secrets of distant galaxies, exoplanet atmospheres, and the cosmic unknown using the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) of the European Southern Observatory (ESO).
Also a brief outlook on the future generation of telescopes and their instruments will be provided as well.
How do you build instruments for the world’s biggest optical telescope? When completed, the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) will collect millions of times more light than the human eye. But gathering light is only half the battle—analyzing it requires world-class optical engineering.
We are delighted to welcome Dr. Jürgen Schmoll, an expert optical engineer working on the spectrograph systems for the ELT. Dr. Schmoll will discuss:
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The colossal scale and precision engineering behind the ELT.
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How spectrographs break light down to reveal the composition and motion of distant objects.
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The real-world challenges of designing, testing, and assembling these delicate optical components.
Whether you’re a seasoned observer or new to astronomy, don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear directly from someone helping build the next generation of observatories.
Talks in Person
This walk will be held at the Washington Wetlands Centre (Discovery Room).
Please show you support to our speaker and the Society if you can on the night.
Hopefully w see you all at the Wetlands Centre (Discovery Room) , Raffle & Refreshments as usual.
Talk will also be broadcast via Zoom (providing no technical and/or WIFI difficulties)
Usual Zoom details
When Who Where
- Date: Sunday 15th November 2026,
- Time: 7pm.
- Speaker: Dr Jurgen Schmoll (Durham University, Centre for Advanced Instrumentation) (SAS, DAS, CaDAS).
- Venue: At Washington Wetlands Centre (Discovery Room) and also broadcast via Zoom.
Our speaker
Our speaker is Dr Jurgen Schmoll a is a member of Astronomer and Instrument Scientist based at the Centre for Advanced Instrumentation and in the Department of Physics, Durham University.
He is also an honorary member of the SAS, Secretary of DAS and chair of CaDAS)
