VIDEO: Giant Magellan Telescope construction begins

LOS ANGELES -- The Pasadena-based Giant Magellan Telescope Organization announced plans Wednesday to begin construction on the largest optical telescope in the world.

The company raised $500 million to build the telescope, which will have seven mirrors spanning more than 80 feet.

The telescope will be able to focus light into images 10 times sharper than the Hubble Space Telescope and see light from ancient galaxies.

The Giant Magellan Telescope will be fully operational by 2024.

Watch Bri Winkler's report on Eyewitness News at 5 a.m. above.