Posts del October, 2020

Why You Should Study Astronomy in Chile

Are you a fan of telescopes? Then astronomy must definitely be a part of your future. Chile has the clearest skies to appreciate stars and it is the preferred destination for researches from all over the world.

What’s Astronomy?

Astronomy is the science that studies the origin, movement and characteristics of astronomical objects, that is to say, individual celestial bodies that can be found in the sky.

Satellites, stars, planets of all kinds, asteroids, among others, are all part of the astronomical objects that this science is devoted to study. Astronomy looks for different answers and explanations for the varied phenomena that occurs thanks to these objects.

Why study in Chile?

The skies of Northern Chile are considered as one of the best to study and observe all phenomena related to the stars and celestial bodies. Every year, scientists from all over the world go to the observatories located there.

Northern Chile, mainly the regions of Antofagasta, Atacama and Coquimbo, is home to modern astronomic infrastructure, including observatories and radio observatories. Thanks to the arid climate of the area, the skies are always clear, which makes them an ideal scenario for observation and for carrying out research.

Among the most famous observatories in the country, there’s the Atacama Large Millimeter (ALMA), known as one of the biggest astronomic projects in the world; also, in this area one can find Observatorio Paranal and Observatorio La Silla, the former is known as the most advanced in the area.

Today, Chile accounts for 40% of astronomic observation worldwide, while there are various projects and instruments currently being developed; some of those include the Giant Magellan Telescope and the Extremely Large Telescope (Source: Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation).

Advances and Discoveries

The skies of our country have been part of important discoveries and advancements in astronomy, both nationally and internationally. Among some of these milestones one can mention:

  • The discovery of a planet three times bigger than Jupiter, in 2019.
  • In 2012, a planet similar to Earth, but seven times bigger was found.
  • In 2010, astronomers José Maza and Mario Hamuy developed a new method to measure the distance between different celestial bodies.

 

These are only some of the discoveries that show that Chilean skies are the best to study astronomy.

Curious Facts About Chile

Chile is a country with a long list of curious facts that many people don’t know about. From its geography that has many particular characteristics, to milestones that have marked the country’s history, here are some things you probably didn’t know.

  1. We’re the Longest Country in the World

Chile is considered the longest country in the world and it extends for over 4,329 kilometers from north to south. In addition to that, the narrowest area measures at 90 km in the region of Coquimbo.

  1. The Strongest Earthquake in History Happened in Chile

In 1960, a 9,5 earthquake (on the Richter magnitude scale) hit the city of Valdivia. The earthquake killed over 2,000 people and it has come to be known as “The Big Earthquake of Chile”.

  1. Chile is Home to the Oldest Mummies in the World

The “Chinchorro” mummies were discovered in the region of Arica and Parinacora in 1917. Researchers estimate that they were mummified 7,000 years ago.

  1. Chile has the 8th Wonder of the World

You’ve probably heard about Torres del Paine National Park. In 2013, the “Virtual Tourist” website conducted an online poll where the park was voted as the 8th wonder of the world.

  1. Chile is a World Leader in Astronomy

The skies of northern Chile are some of the most popular among researchers from all over the world. Thanks to the arid climate of the area, the skies are always clear, which makes them an ideal scenario for observation and for carrying out research. Today, Chile accounts for 40% of astronomic observation worldwide.

  1. Chile Has the Driest Desert in the World

Have you heard about the Atacama Desert? Located in the Northern part of the country, it is known to be the driest desert in the planet, with approximately 49 thousand square miles.

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