Alma: En la busca of our cosmic origins
As you know, in our country develops one of the most ambitious projects in the field of science, and we refer to the ALMA project (acronym in English "Atacama Large Millimeter / submillimeter Array ) . will be the world's highest observatory, settling on 5000 meters above sea level, in the Llano de Chajnantor, where optimal conditions for observing the universe. have a resolution and sensitivity alrrededor than 10 times the Hubble telescope. Initially includes 66 antennas (12 m in diameter), which by being together, acting as a large telescope. This will help scientists to study the origin of our universe, the birth of new stars, the birth of planets, see where temperatures are only a few degrees above absolute zero, which emit wavelengths between infrared and radio waves.
The soul is a collaborative project between Europe, Japan and North America in cooperation with the Republic of Chile. This will be completed in 2012 with a launch in 2011.
10% of observing time will be allocated to the host country, Chile, and 90% for the partners according to their financial contribution ALMA. Although publicly accepted research projects of researchers from all over the world, special consideration will be given to researchers from countries that finance the project.
For more information: Alma Project, ESO