Design of the E-ELT (European Extremely Large Telescope) in its enclosure. The E-ELT will be mounted on a central concrete pier that ensures a minimum clearance of 10 m above the ground. It will be shielded from the wind by a dome enclosure. This dome will have an approximate height of 80m and a footprint of about 100m diameter. he dramatic icy spikes in the foreground are known as penitentes (Spanish for penitents). These are a curious natural phenomenon found in high altitude regions, typically more than 4000 meters above sea level. They are thin blades of hardened snow or ice which point towards the Sun, attaining heights from a few centimeters up to several meters. In December 2014 ESO had secured over 90% funding and authorized to start construction of the telescope, which will cost around one billion euros for the first construction phase. First light is planned for 2024. Release date December 3, 2009.