12-02-2015, 05:37 PM
That was a stunner of a decision. TMT was originally planned way back for Atacama, along with all the major European ground telescopes, and later relocated to Hawaii. The telescope level at Atacama is 16,000 feet with personnel at 9,000 feet. This is a photo of one of the personnel support sites, where astronomers and researchers work twelve hour shifts, from evening to morning.
http://cdn.eso.org/images/screen/mg_9001.jpg
One of the ESO observatories has a big resort next to it, Cerro Paranal, that has an indoor tropical setting pool.
http://cdn.eso.org/images/screen/potw1227b.jpg
So, it is possible TMT may go to Atacama. It isn't just about the height. Atacama field of view is the southern hemisphere TMT would have good coverage of the northern hemisphere. So, the subject line of this thread becomes "How soon is soon?".
"Aloha also means goodbye. Aloha!"
http://cdn.eso.org/images/screen/mg_9001.jpg
One of the ESO observatories has a big resort next to it, Cerro Paranal, that has an indoor tropical setting pool.
http://cdn.eso.org/images/screen/potw1227b.jpg
So, it is possible TMT may go to Atacama. It isn't just about the height. Atacama field of view is the southern hemisphere TMT would have good coverage of the northern hemisphere. So, the subject line of this thread becomes "How soon is soon?".
"Aloha also means goodbye. Aloha!"
*Japanese tourist on bus through Pahoa, "Is this still America?*