TRAPPIST

TRAPPIST is a robotic telescope at La Silla Observatory in the Coquimbo Region of Chile. It has a mirror 60 centimeters across and is controlled remotely from the University of Liège in Belgium.

The telescope began observations in 2010 and quickly focused on discovering exoplanets around distant stars. This direction led to several major discoveries in the years that followed.

The TRAPPIST name connects to Belgian heritage, drawing inspiration from the recognized Belgian monastic brewing tradition.

The telescope sits at 2,400 meters elevation in an area with clear skies and very little light pollution. The high altitude and dry conditions make this location ideal for observing at night.

The instrument detected seven Earth-sized planets orbiting a single ultra-cool star – all part of one planetary system. This multi-planet configuration was an unusual astronomical find that surprised the research community.

Location: Coquimbo Region

Inception: 2010

Elevation above the sea: 2,400 m

Part of: La Silla Observatory, Oukaïmden Observatory

Website: http://trappist.uliege.be

GPS coordinates: -29.25460,-70.73940

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:52