La Silla Observatory

La Silla is an astronomical observatory in the Coquimbo Region, set on a mountain peak in the southern reaches of the Atacama Desert. Eighteen telescopes stand across the summit, positioned at roughly 2400 meters above sea level.

This facility opened in 1964 as the first European research station in Chile. European scientists gained their first regular access to southern skies through this site.

Researchers from different countries travel to this remote summit to study distant stars and galaxies. The working telescopes show visitors how professional astronomy happens in practice rather than theory.

The site sits roughly 160 kilometers north of La Serena along a mountain road. Tours take place every Saturday and require advance booking because spaces are limited.

An instrument called HARPS detects tiny wobbles in the light of distant stars and has tracked down planets beyond our solar system. This method measures how a planet tugs on its star and slightly shifts the light it sends toward Earth.

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: December 20, 2025 12:01