Next-Generation Transit Survey, Optical telescope at Paranal Observatory in Antofagasta Region, Chile
The Next-Generation Transit Survey is an observatory with twelve small telescopes located at the Paranal site in Antofagasta Region. The instruments use specialized cameras to scan the sky for distant planets orbiting other stars.
The facility began operations in 2015 after testing phases at other locations had been completed. Multiple European and Chilean institutions came together to develop and operate this astronomical project.
Seven European universities and academic institutions from Chile, Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom collaborate to manage this astronomical research project.
The site sits in a high desert valley with excellent conditions for observations. Visitors should know the area is very dry and at significant elevation, so proper preparation is important.
The project discovered several exoplanets including a large planet resembling Jupiter and a smaller one similar to Neptune. These discoveries were among the first successes of the facility in its early years.
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