When the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope starts star gazing in 2015 it will, according to its team, be the “widest, fastest, deepest eye of the new digital age”.

Now the giant furnace that has been casting the huge piece of glass that will eventually become two of the three mirrors has been opened. The glass – called a mirror blank – is ‘perfect’ says the LSST (press release). And they let the team sit on it?

The huge, 25,000 kg piece of glass will be ground into an 8.4 metre primary mirror and a 5 metre third mirror. What I really want to know is where the LSST team are getting their shirts. Seriously, where can I find these:

If all this has inspired you, why not make your own telescope.

Image: Howard Lester / LSST Corporation.