Next-Generation Transit Survey, Optical telescope at Paranal Observatory in Antofagasta Region, Chile
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
Seven European universities and academic institutions from Chile, Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom collaborate to manage this astronomical research project.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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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Very Large Telescope
1.9 km
Extremely Large Telescope
20.4 km
Paranal Observatory
1.8 km
Mano del Desierto
56.2 km
Ruinas de Huanchaca
103.5 km
Estadio Regional de Antofagasta
105.3 km
VISTA
647 m
Cerro Paranal
1.9 km
VLT Survey Telescope
1.9 km
Cerro Armazones
20.4 km
Spectro-Polarimetric High-Contrast Exoplanet Research
1.9 km
Cerro Murphy Observatory
19.8 km
St. Joseph's Cathedral, Antofagasta
107.8 km
Hexapod-Telescope
19.8 km
Casa Abaroa
106.6 km
Basílica del Corazón de María, Antofagasta
106.7 km
Casa Camus
107.6 km
Teatro Municipal de Antofagasta
107.9 km
Casa de la Cultura Andrés Sabella
107.7 km
St. Francis Xavier Church
88.6 km
Very Large Telescope Interferometer
1.9 km
Ex Teatro Alhambra de Taltal
88.7 km
Plaza José Franciso Vergara, Antofagasta
105.4 km
Cuartel General de Bomberos de Antofagasta
107.8 km
Cerro Coloso
90.9 km
SPECULOOS-South Observatory
64 m
Museo Ruinas de Huanchaca
103.5 km
Escuela D-73
107.6 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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