World’s Largest Ground-Based Telescope Array Opened in Chile

A vast telescope touted as the largest ground-based astronomy project in the world, an array of 66 radio dishes in Chile’s high desert, was officially opened for business with a cosmic inauguration ceremony on Wednesday (March 13).

The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) is a $1.3 billion collaboration between North America, Europe and Asia, built high on a mountain in Chile’s Atacama desert.

This panoramic view of Chajnantor plateau in Chile shows the antennas of the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) against a breathtaking starry night sky.
CREDIT: ESO/B. Tafreshi