• Press Release Construction begins on the first and largest gamma-ray observatory in Chile 18 December 2025 Yesterday, a groundbreaking ceremony for the CTAO’s southern array facility took place at the European Southern Observatory’s (ESO’s) Paranal site in Chile, marking the beginning of construction of the telescope foundations. • The CTAO, or Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory, will be the world’s largest and most powerful gamma-ray observatory, providing new insights into the high-energy Universe. • Its southern array will be the first gamma-ray observatory to be built in Chile. • “We are happy to welcome this innovative facility to ESO’s family. • It’s our pleasure to see the start of construction of the southern site of this powerful observatory here at Paranal in Chile’s Atacama Desert - a place with the most pristine skies on Earth. • This groundbreaking is a huge milestone for both the CTAO and ESO, but also for Chile as this new facility will strengthen the country’s position as a global hub for astronomy,” said ESO Director General Xavier Barcons in his welcoming speech during the groundbreaking ceremony.
Article Summaries:
- On 17 December 2025, a groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of construction for the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory’s (CTAO) southern array at ESO’s Paranal site in Chile’s Atacama Desert. The CTAO will be the world’s largest gamma‑ray observatory, featuring more than 60 telescopes across two hemispheric sites and a total collection area exceeding one million square metres. ESO, a founding partner, will host the southern array, while a consortium of Chilean companies is building the foundations. The first telescopes are slated for deployment by the end of 2026, positioning Chile as a leading hub for high‑energy astronomy.
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