Atacama Large Millimeter Array - ALMA Radio Telescope

I had always wanted to visit this extraordinary place with its stunning array of 66 high precision radio telescopes. As a warning you cannot stand outside for any extended period for risk of skin damage but the great staff are full of advice both about working at such an altitude and the wonderful science. It stuns me to think that from this spot the systems can observe star birth during the early Stelliferous era, provide detailed imaging of local star and planet formation, study molecular clouds and the chemical conditions in interstellar space and detect distant galaxies from the early Universe and much, much more. And the equipment needed to carefully move these huge telescopes are also awesome. It was just a privelege and satisfied a life time wish. Thanks to the staff.

Have NOT visited! 1/2025 This is a notice for those who wish to that they only make organized tours once a month. Even their website is not clear on that. First contact them online and try to get the date before planning or even visiting.

High altitude medical test might be needed. This is one of the most sensitive pioneer in radio astronomy in 5050 m above sea level. Take care your breath. It can be dizzy.

Be fascinated with what we can accomplish. ALMA has certainly proved that. A collaboration between 3 continents, it is a unique marvel and accomplishment. We were fortunate to take the tour and learn a lot about space and what we cannot see nor know. There's great grasp of knowledge that you get to learn when you take this tour, which is free, during weekends only. It's one of the most inspiring tours that I've experienced. It's a must and take your time to visit their website so you can apply your name for the tour. You won't regret it!

Quite awesome ! Being in the largest space observatory in the world is a great experience. In the visit, you get to know a little about what is ALMA, some physics stuff (how data is acquired in their telescopes) and also their massive radio telescopes, which are larger than 4 floor buildings. In the tour, it's not allowed to visit the antennas site, for safety reasons (5050 meters high). The visits are only made on weekends, but PRIOR RESERVATION IS REQUIRED, and are done in their website. But pay attention, if you want to ensure there will be a place left, do the reservation AT LEAST 3 MONTHS BEFORE the date. The tour is free.

We got more in Taiwan .

Out-of-this-world. Almost literally. When you look at the collection of dishes through the tinted windows of the relaxation lounge of the technical building at 5050m altitude, the absence of movement outside - except the periodical rotation of the telescope dishes - makes you feel like you're in a base on another planet. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.

A surreal experience to witness the forefront of astronomical research be conducted and pioneered.