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This observatory has four reflective telescopes, 8.2 meters in diameter, which can be used individually to observe objects 4 billion times fainter than what we can see with the naked eye. The VLT also has three mobile Auxiliary Telescopes, 1.8 meters in diameter, that can be moved along the platform on rails.

ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Cerro Paranal (Chile's Region II) is the most powerful and advanced astronomical complex on the planet.



Test observations have shown high atmospheric stability at Paranal, allowing for extraordinarily sharp images. The almost zero presence of water vapor in the air greatly increases the atmospheric transparency at infrared wavelengths. Paranal is the best known site for an astronomical observatory in the southern hemisphere.



Located in the town of Taltal, in the Antofagasta Region, and 2,635 meters above sea level.

Antofagasta is 1,361 km away. north of Santiago de Chile, 205 km. from Calama and 564 from Copiapó. You can get:



By plane

There are daily frequencies from the national airport of Santiago de Chile. You can check the departure times.



By car

To get to Antofagasta from any point located to the south, you must travel along Route 5 north. From Copiapó it is 564 km. and from La Serena 898 km.



If you are traveling from the north, you must travel on Route 5 south. From Calama it is 205 km. and from Iquique 493 km.



By bus

There are daily frequencies from nearby cities. There are buses that leave from Santiago de Chile. Check with the respective Road Terminals.







The ability to combine the light from your telescopes - both large and small - is called “interferometry” and it allows the VLT to simulate the power of a 16-meter diameter mirror and the resolution of a 200-meter telescope, which in theory it allows to distinguish an astronaut on the Moon.

Places are limited and reservations are made by calling (56) 55-281291 or by email at sstrunk@eso.org.

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