Astronomy Everywhere in Santiago

Astronomy is everywhere in Santiago. Some of the world's most advanced telescopes are located in Chile, and they all have offices in Santiago. Due to the gorgeous skies, Astro-tourism is on the rise and there are a number of observatories open to visitors.

On Sunday evening, we visited the Andean Astronomical Observatory. It was an incredible experience. We drove about 30 minutes from Santiago, 15 of that on a very, very bumpy, unpaved road up a mountain, filled with switchbacks. We wondered who would be willing to make this drive everyday... but when we got to the observatory, we understood it was worth it. 

The view was gorgeous of the surrounding mountains. 

 
The observatory was gorgeous as well. It was decorated beautifully, and our hosts were incredibly welcoming.

What a beautiful place! They often rent the facility out to businesses for meetings during the day and show them the sky when the Sun goes down.

The sky was cloudy when we visited so we didn't get to see the stars, but our hosts showed us the tour they usually give their guests. I heartily recommend visiting if you ever visit Santiago.

They let us borrow Chilean ponchos. The temperature drops quickly after sunset.

They even served us wine!

I will come back someday!

Below is a timelapse video of the ride down... not good for my motion sickness, but the experience was worth it!

On Monday morning we visited the US Embassy. They did not let us take pictures inside, but it had beautiful architecture and landscaping. 

The US Embassy in Chile is interested in our efforts to teach people of the United States about the US funded astronomy being done in Chile. Did you know that the National Science Foundation helps fund most of the major ground based telescopes? There are several nations that fund the telescopes in Chile, and the United States is a major partner. 

After our Embassy visit, we went to the Santiago offices of ALMA and ESO (The European Southern Observatory, a group of European nations that funds many of the same telescopes that the NSF does, and some others.)

I couldn't get over all the vegetation in the middle of winter! I was told the warm weather (60s and 70s in the afternoon) is unusual. There has been no rain in Santiago in a long time.

We learned about the work that is done in Santiago versus on the mountains farther north in Chile. Because the mountains are remote and harder to get to, it is not easy to maintain a full staff in the towns close to the telescope sites. Therefore, most telescopes have an office in Santiago as well. 

Can you spot the Moon?

Monday night, we ate dinner at the top of a nice hotel with a fabulous view. I was again overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude for being in this wonderful place with my ACEAP team. Astronomy educators are my people.