Paranal Observatory, Astronomical observatory in Antofagasta Province, Chile
Paranal Observatory is an astronomical observatory in Antofagasta Province, northern Chile, sitting on an isolated peak in the Atacama Desert. The site holds several white dome structures that stand out against the clear desert sky and are connected by paved roads to the base camp below.
The European Southern Observatory selected the site in the early nineties because of the clear air and low light pollution. The facility began operations in the late nineties and has expanded its capabilities with additional instruments since then.
The name Paranal comes from the nearby Cerro Paranal mountain that rises above the site. Visitors can join weekend tours to see the domes up close while astronomers prepare instruments for nighttime work.
Reservations for the free tours must be made several weeks ahead online because spots fill quickly. Access is limited to weekends only, and the drive from the nearest town takes about an hour over unpaved desert roads.
The Residencia is built half into the mountain, not entirely underground, with reddish concrete meant to merge with the desert. Its interior was decorated by Chilean architect Paula Gutiérrez Erlandsen, Marchioness of la Pica, and it served as a backdrop in the 2008 James Bond film Quantum of Solace.
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