Observing the Southern Hemisphere’s Stars
The Atacama Desert starts around 500km north of Santiago. Because of the low population, low light pollution, high mountain peaks and very low atmospheric moisture, it is an ideal location for optical telescopes. We were lucky enough to visit two – the Gemini telescope operated by Noirlab and El Silla operated by the European Southern Observatory. These were daytime technical visits to the telescopes and their supporting infrastructure (rather than nocturnal observational visits). We learnt that nowadays only the technicians and maintenance crews reside at the observatories. The astronomers work remotely at control centres located in the larger towns, thanks to data connections to/from the telescopes.
We were able to camp at both sites and Dave again tried some astrophotography with his phone in the ideal conditions. As we progress further into the Atacama Desert, Dave is hoping that the photos get better and better.
🤯 WOW! Those photos are incredible!! What an amazing sight!
It is rumoured James Webb and Hubble after the high resolution photos of the coloured rocks [07/02/24 post] in Neapolitan ice cream splendour and now of the galaxies from the Atacama desert with clarity rivalling their own into lightyears distant galaxies have serious intentions to recruit the wandering adventurous duo to their staff list on their quest’s end – it is rumoured.
Great photos.
Breathtakingly beautiful!
Reminds me of the skies you saw out in the deserts, stunning photos!
Hello! How are you? Everything is so perfect in all your adventures! And we love the content of your website. The photos are amazing! I’m Priscila, we met you in Pisco, and we were talking a little at the distillery. We are the Chilean guys who were riding motorcycles. Can you authorize me to upload the conversation that we had and complement with some information of this page for our little YouTube channel? (Benja and Pri) We will be waiting for your response. We love your history!
Hi!!! Yes please, no problem Priscila. David and Francine. xx