ALMA Joins Chile’s 2026 Astronomy Day

On March 20, the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) will take part in a new edition of Astronomy Day in Chile, a nationwide celebration that invites people of all ages to discover the Universe and learn more about the work of observatories based in the country.

As has become tradition for this occasion, ALMA and ESO, in collaboration with NRAO and NAOJ, will open their doors for the ninth time since 2015 to welcome students and the general public for a day of activities dedicated to exploring the cosmos and the science conducted in Chile.

During the ESO–ALMA Open House 2026, visitors will be able to take part in workshops, interactive activities, and talks, and learn more about the scientific and technological work carried out by both organizations. Highlights include a visit to ALMA’s Remote Operations Room, live connections with the Paranal Control Room, solar observations led by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) of the United States — ALMA’s partner representing North America —, an astronomical origami station organized by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) — ALMA’s partner representing East Asia —, and a variety of educational activities for children and adults.

In the morning, the event will host students from public schools in the municipalities of La Pintana, Santiago, Recoleta, and Vitacura.

The day will also feature an astro-concert with the participation of the Huechuraba Municipal Student Orchestra, closing an afternoon dedicated to bringing astronomy closer to the community.

The activity is free of charge, with mandatory prior registration.

Registration will be available at the following link:

https://welcu.com/alma/puertas-abiertas-eso-alma-2026

Registration slots will be released at the following dates and times:

• Monday, March 16 – 4:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 17 – 11:00 a.m.
• Wednesday, March 18 – 10:00 a.m.
• Thursday, March 19 – 1:00 p.m.
• Friday, March 20 – 10:00 a.m.

Additional Information

ALMA is a partnership of ESO (representing its member states), NSF (USA) and NINS (Japan), together with NRC (Canada), NSTC and ASIAA (Taiwan), and KASI (Republic of Korea), in cooperation with the Republic of Chile. The Joint ALMA Observatory is operated by ESO, AUI/NRAO and NAOJ.

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