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Excessive in Chile’s Atacama Desert, one of many driest and most distant locations on Earth, sits the Atacama Giant Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). Operated by the European Southern Observatory (ESO) and its worldwide companions, ALMA just isn’t a single telescope however an array of 66 high-precision antennas that collectively probe the universe in wavelengths unseen by human eyes.
What’s it?
Not like optical telescopes, ALMA observes within the millimeter/submillimeter vary, between infrared and longer radio waves. These wavelengths permit astronomers to review areas the place younger stars are shrouded by mud or the place galaxies lie so distant that their mild has stretched and cooled throughout its journey throughout house and time.
ALMA’s antenna’s are unfold out throughout the desert plateau in numerous configurations. The assemblage operates primarily as a single, big telescope with extraordinary decision, sharp sufficient to discern the tiniest of particulars.
The place is it?
The radio dish array sits on the Chajnantor Plateau, at an altitude of 16,500 toes (5,000 meters) above sea degree.
Why is it wonderful?
The excessive altitude of the Chajnantor Plateau gives the proper vantage level for radio astronomy: right here the air is skinny and dry, with little water vapor to soak up faint cosmic indicators. Looming over the positioning is the majestic Licancabur volcano, its snow-dusted summit and crater lake watching silently over the antennas under.
Below Licancabur’s watchful eye, ALMA continues to gaze deeper into the chilly, hidden corners of the universe.
Need to study extra?
You may study extra about ALMA’s findings and different telescopes in Chile.
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