MOTHRA: a 1,140-lens telescope to map the cosmic web and dark matter
Researchers are building MOTHRA in Chile using 1,140 Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS lenses across 30 mounts to form a 4.7-meter-equivalent aperture. The project, expanding on the Dragonfly concept, pairs each lens with Apx26/60 cameras (Sony IMX571/IMX455 sensors) to image diffuse ionized gas that traces the cosmic web and dark matter. Construction is underway at El Sauce Observatory with completion targeted by year’s end, funded by Alex Gerko of XTX Markets. The goal is to directly image the unseen mass connecting galaxies, an ambitious step beyond traditional starlight observations.