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It isn't until I check our altitude on the GPS that I realize how much we have been climbing since we left Antofagasta. Before we know it, we have reached 2.600 meters (7,800 feet) into the desert.
After a two hour we reach Paranal; Right in the middle of the desert. Where we have booked a tour to see the World’s largest telescope.
After completing a form we wait at the parking lot and use this opportunity to have a light lunch. At this altitude you want to eat light and make sure you drink lots of water. Once all other guests has arrived we drive to the interpretive centre, where we watch a short video about the Paranal Observatory.
The Paranal Telescope was built at a height of 2,635 meters above sea level on a platform cut out of the mountain. The Observatory has the largest telescope in the world called VLT (Very Large Telescope) and is made up of four separate telescopes each weighing 22 tons with 8,2 meter diameter lenses, which reflex onto mirrors made of Pyrex.
Paranel us situated on a site which offers a stable, dry, atmosphere and a clear sky 350 nights a year. These conditions make Cerro Paranal the best place on earth for astronomical observations.
The telescope is so powerful that you could see a person walking on the moon.
After discussion about such a telescope by ESO (European Southern Observatory) 25 years ago, construction began in 1991, and on May 25, 1998 the first mirror was put in place. Total price tag of this project: 500 million Dollars.
The observatory is owned by 14 European countries, who’s astromomists are the only ones with rights to use them, other than Chilean astronomists who have 10% right of usage.
A larger one is being built at this time and will be named ELT (Extremely Large Telescope). Price tag for this one will be 900 Million Euros.
Construction will start this year and it is expected to be ready by 2018. The location is still to be determined. It could be either, Las Palmas, Spain, or Cerro Armazones, not too far from Paranal.
There is another telescope on these grounds which is the VST. Visual Survey Telescope, this one is used for mapping the various planets.
There are also four infra red telescopes here which have another purpose.
Each telescope has its own name. We are allowed to enter UT1, Named Untu, the Mapuche name for sun.
We tour the entire building and check out the telescope. We are even allowed to touch it. On the outside walls are large doors which are opened after dark. At which time the telescopes can be tilted and turned 360 degree to the correct position.
The temperature inside the building is kept at a minimum during the day so it is equal to the night temperature which is about 10-14 degrees Celsius.
Any air turbulence is controlled with windows and vents. Vehicles are not allowed to enter the field at night time to avoid any kind of vibration.
After we have learned about the telescope, we visit the housing area which is underground, to avoid any light or atmospheric interference.
A total of 200 people live in the complex, which is complete with indoor swimming pool, sport field and dining area. Astronomers work at night and sleep during the day. Most guests were interested to learn, that between the Paranal Observatory and the rail road museum of Baquedano, the James Bond movie “Quantum of Solace” was filmed.
The entire tour last a good two hours, after which we continue south along the coast and end out day in Taltal, where we find a wonderful cabin along the ocean, close to the rocks.
We buy a few things at the supermarket in town and while I cook, Ramiro watches TV. Is this fair to all concerned?
The wind has totally died down and it is nice enough to eat outside under the moon and stars. Just as we are having dessert, a hungry baby fox comes to check out if there are any leftovers. We give him some chicken bones and he keeps on coming back for more.
What a nice and relaxing evening this is. I like to take this cabin with us for the remaining next weeks.
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