The water cycle in ALMA: every drop counts
In the world's driest desert, water is a critical resource. At ALMA, every drop has a long and carefully planned journey, from its source to its reuse. Behind this process is the team led by Donald Tait, Contracts and Facilities Group (CFG) Manager, along with shift supervisors Pablo Pistoia...
Planning & Coordination: connecting teams to move ALMA forward
In an environment as dynamic as ALMA, where multiple critical activities occur in parallel, the Planning & Coordination area plays a key role in ensuring that everything runs safely, smoothly, and in line with the observatory's priorities. The team, made up of Stefan Gairing and Octavio...
We closed a successful 2025 with celebrations at the OSF and the Santiago office
This year was particularly special for ALMA: we exceeded 4,300 hours of observation, we were able to observe the interstellar comet 3I/Atlas, we monitored stellar activity in Proxima and Alpha Centauri, while continuing to make progress on the Wideband Sensitivity Upgrade (WSU). To bid farewell to...
PDD: conversations that push our development
The Performance & Development Dialogue (PDD) is an invitation to take a moment to pause: look back on the year, have an honest conversation, and plan for what's next. More than just a task, it's a chance to strengthen the relationship between each person and their...
All-Hands Q4: Shared achievements with eyes on 2026
On November 27, a new edition of All-Hands was held, where the ALMA community reviewed the scientific, operational, and organizational milestones of recent months with a view to 2026. “It is essential to recognize the observatory's achievements, especially because they are the reason why ALMA works...
Power Plant: the energy that keeps ALMA running
Since its creation in 2012, the Permanent Power Supply (PPS) team —part of the Infrastructure Maintenance Group (IMG)— has been responsible for generating and distributing power throughout the observatory. “Electricity is the heart of ALMA, so this team — and the entire engineering group — strives...
ALMA Code of Ethics and Conduct: committed to integrity, coexistence and respect
The ongoing updating of our document reinforces the values that give meaning to our culture: excellence, respect and diversity, collaboration, and care. At ALMA, we believe that good coexistence is the basis of everything: great discoveries, teamwork, and the trust that unites us. For this reason,...