→ Widely unknown Exoplanet Astronomer

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

Keck 1 with it's laser guider on

Me on the top of the Mauna Kea summit 4205m (13,796 ft)

Some of the Earths most sophisticated telescopes are located at the summit of Mauna Kea. The site provides excellent seeing (0.2 – 0.4″ on good nighs) and many clear nights. At an altitude of about 4000 meters it is well above most of the weather experienced at sea level.

This parody of Hotel California in my opinion sums up what it is like being here: