The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), an international partnership of Europe, North America and East Asia in cooperation with the Republic of Chile, is the largest astronomical project in existence. ALMA will be a single telescope of revolutionary design, composed initially of 66 high precision antennas located on the Chajnantor plateau, 5000 meters altitude in northern Chile.
ALMA's World At Night
A panoramic view of the Chajnantor plateau showing the antennas of the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) ranged across the unearthly landscape.
Credit: ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO), Tafreshi (ESO/twanight.org)
ALMA reveals its first image
The most powerful millimeter/submillimeter-wavelength telescope in the world opens for business and reveals its first image.
Nineteen ALMA antennas on the Chajnantor plateau
This picture of the ALMA antennas on the Chajnantor Plateau, 5000 m above sea level, was taken a few days before the start of ALMA Early Science.
Credit: ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO), W. Garnier (ALMA).
First 7-m Antenna Transported to AOS
On August 16th, the first 7-meter diameter ALMA antennas was transported to the 5,000-meter altitude Chajnantor plateau, where the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) is under construction.
Credit: ALMA(ESO/NAOJ/NRAO), W. Garnier(ALMA)
The first European antenna at 5,000 meters
The first European antenna for the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) reaches new heights, having been transported to the observatory's Array Operations Site (AOS).
Credit: ALMA(ESO/NAOJ/NRAO), S. Rossi (ESO)
Cryogenic Catering Truck Comes To The Alma Observatory
The Front End Service Vehicle heads uphill from the ALMA Operations Support Facility along the long, salt-paved road to the Array Operations Site where the working telescopes are situated.
Credit:ALMA(ESO/NAOJ/NRAO), C. Padilla(NRAO/AUI/NSF)
