Where is the world’s highest observatory?
Quick Answer
One of the world’s highest major observatories is the ALMA observatory in the Chilean Andes. Its array sits on the Chajnantor Plateau at about 5,000 meters above sea level.
The Full Story
The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, or ALMA, is located on the Chajnantor Plateau in northern Chile. The array sits at roughly 5,000 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest astronomical observatories in the world. Its altitude and dry air are ideal for observing faint radio and submillimeter signals from cold gas and dust in space. ALMA is an international project involving Europe, North America, East Asia, Chile, and others. It has helped scientists study star formation, protoplanetary disks, and distant galaxies.
Key Facts
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