La Silla Observatory, European astronomical observatory in Coquimbo Region, Chile
The La Silla Observatory operates eighteen telescopes at an elevation of 2,400 meters in the southern edge of the Atacama Desert point.
Established in 1964 as the first European Southern Observatory site in Chile, La Silla marked the beginning of international astronomical research in South America.
The facility attracts hundreds of professional astronomers annually, contributing to significant discoveries through its advanced instruments and exceptional viewing conditions.
Located 160 kilometers north of La Serena, the observatory offers guided tours every Saturday, requiring advance reservations due to limited capacity.
The observatory houses HARPS, a specialized instrument that detects exoplanets by measuring the radial velocity variations of stars with extraordinary precision.
Location: Coquimbo Region
Inception: 1964
Official opening: 1964
Elevation above the sea: 2,400 m
Website: http://eso.org/public/teles-instr/lasilla.html
GPS coordinates: -29.25750,-70.73750
Latest update: May 27, 2025 08:45
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