Due to its dryness, high altitude, scant clouds and scarce radio interference and light pollution from cities, this desert is one of the best places on Earth for astronomic observation.
Why is the Atacama Desert good for astronomy?
Why is the Atacama Desert ideal for studying astronomy?
The Atacama Desert fulfills two aspects that are essential for observation: cloudless skies and very little atmosphere between the telescope and the stars.
Why do they call the Atacama Desert the best places to stargaze?
The Atacama's remoteness, altitude, minimal light pollution, and arid desert atmosphere make it one of the best places on Earth to see the galaxy above. Nights here call to stargazers like a magnet, with the clearest skies in the Southern Hemisphere.
Why Chile is best for astronomy?
Moreover, the northern part of the country, because of its dry desert atmosphere, experiences more than 200 cloudless nights each year. Even more important to stargazers, Chile provides a clear view of the spectacular southern sky, which is largely invisible from countries north of the Equator.
Why is Chile ideal for telescopes?
Chile And Telescopes Are A Match Made In Heaven The South American country is home to the Andes Mountains and the Atacama Desert, places that have some of the stillest and driest air in the world. That makes them ideal for astronomy.
What are some interesting facts about the Atacama Desert?
10 Facts About The Atacama Desert
- Driest Desert in the World – Studies conducted by NASA have concluded that this desert located in northern Chile is in fact the driest desert in the world. …
- Rainless (or just about) – Average rainfall in this region is about 1 mm per year.
Why telescopes are built on mountains?
Most important, putting an observatory on a mountaintop means there's less air to see through, so the "seeing" is better. On a mountaintop, there's also less air above you to absorb light from the stars.
Where are the clearest skies in the world?
There is an easy way to get above all that air – go to the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. Here, in one of the driest, highest and clearest skies in the world is the small town of San Pedro de Atacama.
What are 2 important things about the Atacama Desert?
10 Facts About The Atacama Desert
- Driest Desert in the World – Studies conducted by NASA have concluded that this desert located in northern Chile is in fact the driest desert in the world. …
- Rainless (or just about) – Average rainfall in this region is about 1 mm per year.