The ALMA Inauguration: A New Era for Global Astronomy in the Atacama Desert
This video captures the official inauguration of the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array in Chile. It marks the transition of the facility from a massive construction project into a fully operational observatory, showcasing the collaborative power of international partners and the unique environment of the high-altitude desert.
Held on 13 March 2013, the ceremony celebrated the completion of all major systems for ALMA, a giant telescope project. The facility represents a significant partnership between Europe, North America, and East Asia, working in cooperation with the Republic of Chile.
Beyond the ceremony, the footage provides a look at the telescope's unique desert environment and features breathtaking images captured by the array itself. The project stands as a milestone in international scientific cooperation, moving from development to a fully fledged observatory.