December was a month of celebration as we gathered for our End of Year Dinner, a moment to reflect on the accomplishments that shaped 2024 and to honor the incredible people who make ALMA what it is today. From the 4,250 hours spent observing the Universe to milestones like the refurbishment of the transporter truck and improvements in broadband...
We took first place in soccer, table soccer, and table tennis at the Inter Observatories Olympics! And we took second place in the competition. Our colleagues were the protagonists of a day that brought together teams from our observatory with those from AURA and Las Campanas. Francisca Solís, one of our Software Engineer Trainees, participated in the ALMA soccer...
The Program Management Group (PMG) has a chain of tasks essential to the operation of ALMA. They are responsible for the day-to-day management of the execution of observations and monitoring the status of ALMA programs. In addition, they ensure data quality control and coordination of these activities with the staff of our observatory's Regional Centers (ARCs). "Our group is in...
Sergio Martin debuted this year as Head of Science Operations (Head of DSO), shortly after receiving the “Collaboration” Award from our Core Statements. In his opinion, many at ALMA deserve to receive this award, so coming out as the winner left him perplexed. “Perhaps that's why I was confused and deeply flattered that someone had taken the time to...
At the latest edition of Hablemos de ALMA, our Director, Sean Dougherty, delved into the exciting possibilities for the observatory to adopt renewable energy solutions like photovoltaic plants, battery storage, and wind turbines. Currently, ALMA relies on 11 million liters of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) annually, accounting for approximately 10% of our operating costs in Chile. Until now, we...
With more than 17 years working for our observatory, Marcelo Miranda cannot hide his excitement at having been awarded the “Excellence” award, from our Fundamental Statements. “I am very happy and grateful to have been recognized for my work at ALMA”.Our Instrumentation Technician fondly remembers all these years working at the observatory, in which he has been part of...