Cerro Paranal facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cerro Paranal
Paranal camp
Highest point
Elevation	2,635 m (8,645 ft)
Geography
Location	Atacama Desert, northern Chile
Parent range	Chilean Coast Range

Cerro Paranal is a mountain in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. It is famous for being home to the Paranal Observatory, where some of the world's most powerful telescopes are located. This special mountain helps scientists explore the universe from one of the best spots on Earth.

What is Cerro Paranal?

Cerro Paranal is a mountain located in the dry Atacama Desert in northern Chile. It stands about 2,635 meters (8,645 feet) above sea level. This makes it a very high place, perfect for looking at the stars.

The mountain is about 120 kilometers (75 miles) south of a city called Antofagasta. It is also about 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Taltal. Its remote location helps keep the skies dark and clear.

Home to Amazing Telescopes

Cerro Paranal is best known as the site of the Paranal Observatory. This observatory is home to the Very Large Telescope (VLT). The VLT is not just one telescope, but four large telescopes that can work together.

The observatory also has the VLT Survey Telescope. This telescope helps scientists map large areas of the sky. These powerful tools allow astronomers to see distant galaxies and learn more about our universe.

Why is this mountain special?

Cerro Paranal is an ideal place for an observatory because of its unique conditions. The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth. This means there are very few clouds or moisture in the air.

Clear, dry air is important for astronomy. It allows light from stars and galaxies to reach the telescopes without being blocked or distorted. The mountain's high elevation also helps it rise above much of Earth's atmosphere. This gives astronomers a clearer view of space.

Gallery

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  The Milky Way galaxy pictured above Cerro Paranal.

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  Zodiacal Light seen from Paranal.

See also

In Spanish: Cerro Paranal para niños