October Events at ALMA: Celebrating Science Month
Throughout October, Chile’s Science Month, the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) will hold public visits to its Operations Support Facility (OSF) near San Pedro de Atacama. This initiative celebrates 15 years since ALMA’s first scientific observations, which revolutionized astronomy.
Public Visit Dates:
- Saturdays: October 17 and 24
- Free Tours: Two sessions each day
Visit Highlights:
- Discover the infrastructure and technology of ALMA
- Explore areas like the control room, laboratories, and technical spaces
- Possible view of antennas in maintenance and transportation vehicles
Safety Note:
Visits do not include the Array Operations Site (AOS) at high altitude due to safety concerns.
Schedule:
- Morning Session: Depart at 8:00 a.m. (Return at 12:45 p.m.)
- Afternoon Session: Depart at 2:00 p.m. (Return at 6:45 p.m.)
Registration:
- Must reserve tickets in advance via Welcu.
- October 17 registration opens on October 9 at noon
- October 24 registration opens on October 19 at noon
Additional Activities During Science Month
San Pedro de Atacama Science Fair:
- Date: October 8 from noon to 6:00 p.m.
- ALMA will feature ALMAsteroid, an interactive game that promotes engagement with astronomy.
OH! Stgo Festival:
- Dates: October 22 and 23
- Explore rarely accessible spaces of Santiago, including guided tours of ESO and ALMA’s offices.
- Advance registration required; details to be announced soon.
Conclusion
With activities in both San Pedro de Atacama and Santiago, ALMA aims to connect the public with 15 years of astronomical discoveries, showcasing the collaborations and technologies that make these advancements possible.
ALMA Partnership:
ALMA is a collaboration between ESO, NSF (USA), NINS (Japan), NRC (Canada), NSTC and ASIAA (Taiwan), KASI (Korea), and the Republic of Chile, managed by ESO, AUI/NRAO, and NAOJ.
