By Agnes de Goede··Modified:
Right to left
The Netherlands is competing for a prestigious project: the Einstein Telescope. A huge underground telescope: 10 by 10 by 10 kilometres. The government wants to build this telescope in Limburg and will spend the money on budget day, sources close to the project told RTL News. For example, there will be a special Einstein Academy where hundreds of students will be trained to build. “It’s an unprecedented project.”
Everyone knows the above-ground telescope. To look at the stars. But in South Limburg, on the border with Belgium and Germany, the plan is to build a giant underground telescope. Together with the two neighbouring countries. At a depth of more than 250 metres, in the shape of a triangle with enormous tunnels: 10 by 10 by 10 kilometres.
Knowledge about the universe
Physicist Stan Bentfelsen knows all about it: “In those enormous, kilometer-long tunnels, we can detect what are called gravitational waves. These are tiny vibrations from space. And these waves can give us many new insights into the universe.”
Einstein discovered the existence of these gravitational waves, hence their name.
An unprecedented project, as Bentfelsen calls it. The scientist is working in a laboratory in Maastricht where there is a special test setup. A prototype, in other words: a miniature Einstein telescope. Because the real thing has yet to be built. “Thanks to this amazing piece of technology, we can learn a lot of new things,” says the physicist. “Get knowledge about the Big Bang or black holes. Learn how the universe works.”
Netherlands in the race
But it is not certain whether this prestigious project (total cost: 2 billion euros) will actually come to Limburg. Italy is also in the running. And in 2026, the European Union will decide which country will host it. According to the Limburg family, Limburg’s soil is ideally suited to the project: two layers of soil on top of each other, which absorbs vibrations to a great extent.
In Limburg they are already dreaming of this project. Because it is not only good for science, but also creates jobs and puts the province on the map worldwide.
Princesdageld
The cabinet is also very keen on the telescope. On budget day it announces that millions will be allocated. This is remarkable, because the new government is making big cuts to science. The province of Limburg is also responsible.
For example, millions will be spent on innovation and technology to develop and build the telescope, the project’s insiders report. There will also be a special Einstein Academy in the county. Hundreds of MBO and HBO students will be trained to build and maintain the telescope. Exactly where it will be located has yet to be decided. And on Budget Day, we’ll also hear more about the costs of that “academy.”
Physicist Bentfelsen can’t wait for the telescope to come to our country. He was present when the Higgs boson was discovered, but now he’s focused on the Einstein telescope.
Black hole
And if it doesn’t? Hasn’t all the initial studies and money invested been in vain? No, he thinks. “We have a lot of knowledge inside us, and we won’t lose it. And we can continue with our test site. But I assume everything will be fine. This telescope belongs here.
The scientist seems confident and not afraid of falling into the black hole himself. “Although it would be very exciting to actually have the telescope, I have full confidence. We can do it here.” If it comes to that, construction should begin in 2030.
