Cerro Pachón

Cerro Pachón (Spanish for "Pachón hill") is a mountain located close to the Chilean city of Vicuña and 10 km southeast of the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, at an altitude of 2,715 m above sea level in the foothills of the Andes. The location is exceedingly dry, making it suitable for infrared observations. The air overhead is very stable, yielding excellent visualization/seeing. During the summer months, Cerro Pachón is often above the haze layer that can envelop lower altitudes.

Cerro Pachón
Cerro Pachón is located in Chile
Cerro Pachón
Cerro Pachón
Highest point
Elevation2,715 m (8,907 ft)
Coordinates30°14′26.6″S 70°44′11.7″W
Geography
LocationChile
Parent rangeAndes

There are currently two telescopes commissioned on Cerro Pachón, Gemini South and the Southern Astrophysical Research Telescope. A third, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, is under construction.

  • Wide view observatories from the air, including Cerro Pachón. In the distance are the Andes
    Wide view observatories from the air, including Cerro Pachón. In the distance are the Andes
  • A night view of the Gemini South, the southern half of the international Gemini Observatory on Cerro Pachón with the Milky Way and streak of light left by a meteor in the background.
    A night view of the Gemini South, the southern half of the international Gemini Observatory on Cerro Pachón with the Milky Way and streak of light left by a meteor in the background.

See also

References
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