VLT Survey Telescope, Large survey telescope at Paranal Observatory, Chile
Description
The VLT Survey Telescope is a research telescope measuring 2.65 meters in diameter located at Paranal Observatory in the Atacama Desert at 2635 meters elevation. It uses the OmegaCAM system with 32 CCD detectors that simultaneously capture 268-megapixel images and survey large areas of the sky.
History
The telescope was built between 2007 and 2011 and experienced a setback when the first mirror was damaged during transport from Europe to Chile. It was developed as a European-Italian collaboration to advance astronomical research and observation.
Culture
The European Southern Observatory and Italian Osservatorio Astronomico di Capodimonte initiated this scientific collaboration in 1997 to advance astronomical research.
Practical
The remote high-altitude location offers exceptionally dark skies and stable atmospheric conditions for precise observations. Visitors should prepare for the significant elevation and allow time for acclimatization.
Did you know?
The field of view spans roughly twice the width of the full moon, allowing large sections of the sky to be captured in a single exposure. This makes it particularly valuable for systematic sky surveys and discovering objects across vast celestial regions.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Chile).
Very Large Telescope
92 m
Extremely Large Telescope
22 km
Paranal Observatory
113 m
Mano del Desierto
58 km
Ruinas de Huanchaca
104.9 km
Estadio Regional de Antofagasta
106.6 km
VISTA
1.5 km
Cerro Paranal
33 m
Cerro Armazones
22 km
Spectro-Polarimetric High-Contrast Exoplanet Research
83 m
Next-Generation Transit Survey
1.9 km
Cerro Murphy Observatory
21.4 km
St. Joseph's Cathedral, Antofagasta
109.2 km
Hexapod-Telescope
21.4 km
Casa Abaroa
107.9 km
Basílica del Corazón de María, Antofagasta
108.1 km
Casa Camus
109 km
Casa de la Cultura Andrés Sabella
109.1 km
St. Francis Xavier Church
87.1 km
Very Large Telescope Interferometer
58 m
Ex Teatro Alhambra de Taltal
87.2 km
Plaza José Franciso Vergara, Antofagasta
106.7 km
Cuartel General de Bomberos de Antofagasta
109.2 km
Cerro Coloso
92.1 km
SPECULOOS-South Observatory
2 km
Museo Ruinas de Huanchaca
104.9 km
Escuela D-73
109 km
Memorial de Antofagasta "Frente a mi ausencia obligada, un legado invita a vivir"
109.2 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes