With the end of Cycle 11, ALMA celebrates its most successful period since the start of operations. The observatory delivered an unprecedented 4,496 hours of science-quality data on the 12-meter Array — exceeding the 4,250 hours achieved in Cycle 10. This marks the second consecutive year in which ALMA has set a new benchmark for observing time, highlighting its consistent improvement and commitment to maximizing scientific return.

Meanwhile, the 7-meter Array and Total Power Array achieved 4,201 and 3,240 hours, respectively — both record figures. These results confirm that every part of the ALMA system is operating at peak performance, ensuring that astronomers worldwide gain access to the highest-quality data possible.

This achievement was made possible by the coordinated work of all teams and systems, from data acquisition to processing and delivery, and is even more remarkable considering that these record figures were reached during the harshest winter in Chajnantor in the last ten years, testing the resilience and commitment of everyone involved in the observatory.

“Thanks to their dedication, professionalism, and spirit of collaboration, we not only faced extreme conditions: we successfully overcame them,” said Sean Dougherty, Director of ALMA.

This result reflects years of learning and continuous improvement, in which each area has contributed to the observatory’s growth. From Santiago to the Chajnantor Plateau, and throughout North America, Europe, and East Asia, all teams—operations, computing, science, engineering, security, maintenance, administration, and support—were an essential part of this milestone.

With its sights set on the future, ALMA is preparing to move forward with confidence and pride in what it has built, reaffirming its commitment to excellence and international collaboration.