The La Silla observatory is located in Chile and is ESO’s original observing site. It is located in the southern part of the Atacama desert at an altitude of 2400 meter.

A few of the telescopes at the La Silla observatory

La Silla sadly shows signs of economic cut backs with many smaller telescopes decommissioned. I was surprised at the sheer amounts of telescopes here.

The main hotel and restaurant

The site itself is very beautiful and has spectacular views.

View from La Silla observatory

The sun setting and giving way to the spectacular night sky

The astronomer himself enjoying the sunset