Man has been observing and studying the sky from time immemorial,
and though this was once only a subject for priests, astrologers or
scholars, nowadays this activity is within everyone's reach. Here
in Chile you can take advantage of our particularly clear skies, technology,
and landscape to take part in this fascinating activity.
Astronomical Observation in Chile
While throughout Chile the skies are good for observation, the northern skies are far superior than those in the south. The sky of the "Small North" region of Chile is recognized worldwide
as the clearest and most transparent of the southern hemisphere.
This region, the IV region of Coquimbo, boasts 345 clear nights a year, and large astronomical observatories have been built here equipped with sophisticated and powerful instruments. El Tololo, La Silla and the European Southern Observatory at Cerro Paranal are some of the most famous observatories.
For expert or amateur astronomers, there are many
places in this area to enjoy our skies, one popular place is the
Elqui Valley. In these latitudes there are several important celestial
phenomena to observe such as the Southern Cross, Alpha and Beta
Centauri, and the Magellan clouds.
Observation sites should be located far from artificial lights and
should be free of obstacles that obstruct a good view of the sky,
such as high hills and trees. It also should have a topography that
makes it easy to install equipment. It's best to visit sites first
during the day to find the most suitable place to set up.
DESTINATIONS.
When and where. |
These are some of the better places in Chile to practice astronomical
observation:
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Small North Region
Observation Sites
- La Serena District: Region IV of Coquimbo. Quebrada de Tralca
- Vicuña District: Region IV of Coquimbo. 1) Vicuña-Hurtado River Road: El Churque and El Algarrobo-Araya sectors; 2) Casablanca; 3) Uchumi Ravine.
- Paihuano District: Region IV of Coquimbo. 1) La Viga Ravine; 2) Paihuano Ravine.
- Andacollo District: Region IV of Coquimbo. 1) Cruz Verde Hill; 2) El Yahuin Hill; 3) Cabritos.
- La Higuera District: Region IV of Coquimbo. 1) Cuesta Colorada.
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Astronomical Observatories
- Paranal Hill (ESO): Region II of Antofagasta. 123 km (76.8 mi) south of Antofagasta, by the gravel road that leads to the Paposo National Park.
- Tololo Hill: Region IV of Coquimbo. Located 87 km (54.3 MI) east of La Serena: 55 km (34 MI) through the Elqui valley road and then another 34 (21.25 MI) to the observatory. Guided
visits.
- La Silla (ESO): Region IV of Coquimbo. Located 156 km (97.5 MI) north of La Serena. Guided visits.
- Las Campanas: Region IV of Coquimbo. Located 156 km north La Serena. Guided Visits.
- Municipal Cerro Mamalluca: Region IV of Coquimbo. Located 6 km (3.75 MI) northeast of Vicuña. This observatory is open to the public.
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For suggestions of sites, visit our Chile Attractions section.
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For a successful observation, we recommend the following:
- Before watching, adapt your eyes to the darkness.
- While in the dark, never expose your eyes to direct white light.
- Use a red light, as they do not harm the eye and do not interfere with its adaptation to darkness.
The essential equipment for observation consists of:
- Binoculars
- Telescope
- Stellar maps
Stores
| Celestron International
Authorized distributors
Chile-Primonaty
primonat@chilesat.net
(56-2) 632 10 84 |
Tasco
Official Representation in Chile
Walbaum Associates S.A.
Carlos Wilson 1490
(56-2) 223 58 97 |
For more information on relevant shops, see our Shopping section.
Associations
Chilean Association of Astronomy and Astronautics (ACHAYA)
Marcoleta 485, 2nd Floor, Office H
(56-2) 632 75 56
Agencies
San Bartolome Tourism
Balmaceda Nº 417
Sindempart
(56-51) 21 16 70 |
Startur
Balmaceda Nº 1581
La Serena
(56-51) 22 96 62 |
Transportation
Agencia de Taxis America
Round trip transportation offers from Antofagasta to Cerro Paranal Observatory.
Phones: 283857 - 098788766 Antofagasta
ploguina@hotmail.com
There are tour operators in our Travel Services section.
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