 Chile, the astronomy capital of the world Chile holds 40% of the world's astronomical observatories and in 2020, through the Giant Magallanes Telescope (GMT) projects, the Great Synoptic Tracking Telescope (LSST), the Extremely Large European Telescope (E-ELT) and the expansion of the Atacama Large Millimeter Array, the country’s north will concentrate nearly 70% of the world’s astronomical observatories. Due to the above, Chile is recognized as the "astronomy capital of the world" and is called "the eyes of the world" Experience a journey to the stars in Chile! Observe constellations, planets, shooting stars and all manner of celestial bodies in the spectacular Chilean skies – the clearest in the entire southern hemisphere. Chile enjoys more than 300 clear days per year and with little or no light pollution in the north, conditions are ideal for stargazing under open skies. For a truly close encounter with the planets, visit one of the many astronomical observatories open to visitors. In La Serena, Elqui Valley, San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta and Iquique you’ll find agencies which can arrange transport and accommodation and provide observation equipment for travelers. If you’re a real astronomy fanatic, don’t miss the chance to visit some of the world’s leading scientific observatories. At sites like ALMA, Tololo and Paranal, you can witness the state-of-the-art technology used to investigate the universe.  STARGAZING In Chile, you’ll find the world’s clearest skies. Its nature, geography, climate and position in the world turn the skies of this country into a real window to the universe. For a unique experience of connection with nature, visit the northern and the central parts of the country and enjoy the enormity of the universe away from the buzz of the big cities. Places like San Pedro de Atacama, Elqui Valley and Cajón del Maipo with their almost non-existent light pollution, make these destinations the ideal spot to enjoy the quiet of the night. Watch the stars, hunt for a shooting star and learn about the constellations and planets. Enjoy a nighttime excursion guided by experts in the middle of the world’s driest desert or accompanied by the sound of the water in some of the most fertile valleys in the country.  NIGHTTIME VISITS Enjoy the world’s clearest skies, which open before your eyes like a window to the universe, offering you the chance to live a unique experience. These are places that will captivate the visitors with their own kind of magic, allowing them to come closer to space and closely observe the stars and planets that move around the galaxy. Near Antofagasta and San Pedro de Atacama, the sky offers ideal observation conditions in the world’s driest desert. Meanwhile, the vast valleys of the central area, like Elqui Valley and Cajón del Maipo, have the advantage of scarce light pollution to better observe the universe in all its majesty. Visit some of the many observatories that hold night tours to admire the universe through sophisticated instruments only found there and start getting deeper into the culture of the heavens. Discover firsthand the secrets of the universe that can only be seen at night!  SOLAR ECLIPSE IN CHILE Chile is the astronomy capital of the world, “the world’s eyes to the universe,” and is the ideal destination for observing the solar eclipses in 2019 and 2020. When the moon passes between the earth and the sun, the different phases of the eclipse can be observed from our planet, showing how the sun is partially or totally hidden. Visit Chile and enjoy this gift of nature in person. Learn more about the eclipse, where to enjoy this phenomenon, and astrotourism-related events in Chile at www.astroturismochile.cl  ASTRONOMICAL FACILITIES If there’s a place in the world where you can actually reach out for the stars, it is Chile. Its privileged skies have caught the attention of scientists around the world that carry out important research daily. The unique geographical and climatic conditions of the country have fostered the development of first-class astronomical projects. There are close to 40 international, university, public and private observatories in the country. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see the instruments and learn more about the work of these professionals! Be taken aback with ALMA, the largest astronomical project on the planet and visit its control room and laboratories. Its unique telescope, made up of an array of 66 high precision antennas, is located close to 5,000 meters above sea level near San Pedro de Atacama. Important international observatories have also been built near cities like Antofagasta, La Serena and Coquimbo, which can be visited during the day. Book a visit and be amazed by the state-of-the-art technology used to study the universe.  DISCOVER THE ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORIES THAT YOU CAN VISIT ALMA OBSERVATORY Alma is the world’s largest astronomical project set on the ground. It offers different kinds of visits (public, media, educational, scientific and institutional). Registrations to visit are individual, and you need to fill out a form and register beforehand.
CERRO TOLOLO INTERAMERICAN OBSERVATORY (AURA) With an amazing appeal for both the scientific and academic world, this is a must for researchers. Tourists must book their visit a month in advance and it’s advisable not to go with children under 6.
LA SILLA OBSERVATORY Known for being the most productive astronomical center in the world, star enthusiasts must book their visits online and ahead of time as they have limited capacity. Due to safety reasons, children under 5 are not allowed and it is advisable not to have heavy meals before your visit to avoid altitude sickness complications.
PARANAL OBSERVATORY (VLT) This astronomical scientific center is open to the public all year round with free tours to tourists on Saturdays for groups of less than 12 people.
GEMINI-SUR OBSERVATORY It has free tours done by specialized guides who teach the secrets of the universe to no more than 8 people. Owner of an infrared optical telescope system that allows observing the sky of both hemispheres, this is one of the scientific locations that causes the most interest in star enthusiasts, so visits must be booked 2 months in advance and children younger than 16 must visit with an adult.
LAS CAMPANAS OBSERVATORY CARNEGIE INSTITUTION OF WASHINGTON Take tours guided by the observatory’s technicians, which last around 3 hours and that must be booked a month in advance.
 Comments are closed.
|
