Do earthquakes represent a threat for the VLT?
The VLT is designed with anti-seismic technology, specially chosen to protect the most delicate components of the telescopes. If there is a strong earthquake (more than magnitude 7) a special system is automatically activated, anchoring the primary mirror to the cell. This prevents it from falling, breaking, or causing damage to the structure. During its lifetime, Paranal Observatory has experienced frequent minor seismic events and a few significant earthquakes, and the anti-seismic technology has passed each test with flying colours.
