Story perspectives

4MOST Telescope Achieves First Light, Set to Revolutionize Astronomy

10/29/2025

Summary

Story summary

The European Southern Observatory's 4-meter Multi-Object Spectroscopic Telescope (4MOST) achieved first light on October 18, 2025 in Chile, signaling its ability to observe thousands of objects.
The instrument replaces the VISTA Infrared Camera and uses over 2,400 optical fibers to collect light from many targets.
Over its 15-year lifespan, 4MOST aims to record light from more than 25 million objects, with over 700 scientists across 25 major science programs contributing.

1 of 1

Story summary

The European Southern Observatory's 4-meter Multi-Object Spectroscopic Telescope (4MOST) achieved first light on October 18, 2025 in Chile, signaling its ability to observe thousands of objects.
The instrument replaces the VISTA Infrared Camera and uses over 2,400 optical fibers to collect light from many targets.
Over its 15-year lifespan, 4MOST aims to record light from more than 25 million objects, with over 700 scientists across 25 major science programs contributing.