eso.org · 4,936
The European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO) is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the world's most productive astronomical observatory. ESO provides state-of-the-art research facilities to astronomers and is a world leader in ground-based astronomy. The organisation operates ground-based astronomical observatories in Chile and has its headquarters in Garching, near Munich, Germany. ESO carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities enabling astronomers to make important scientific discoveries. ESO also plays a leading role in promoting and organising cooperation in astronomy research. ESO operates two observatories in the Chilean Atacama Desert - La Silla and Paranal - on which two of the most advanced optical/near-infrared telescopes in the world are based: the ESO VLT (Very Large Telescope). Furthermore, ESO is also a major partner in the international ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array) project. With an advanced state-of-the-art fleet of telescopes and instruments, ESO is providing an integrated approach to both operational projects and large-scale programs in cooperation with the community. In addition, ESO plays a key role in helping to prepare the European astronomy community for the challenges of the next decade. As a result, ESO is equipped to provide European astronomers with excellent access to the best astronomical facilities in the world. ESO's 2015 Strategic Plan addresses the green global issues facing the Organisation and Switzerland, as well as future opportunities that build on existing strengths and worldwide cooperation. Furthermore, it outlines ambitious initiatives for expanding the technological advances in the ESO Organisation and for enhancing the multicultural diversity that constitutes it. In summary, ESO is well positioned to respond effectively to the challenges of a rapidly changing and resource-constrained global environment. ESO's ambitious programme relies on a pool of strictly quality-driven scientists and engineers who maintain and develop a comprehensive range of competences and infrastructures in Optical and Near-Infrared Astronomy. This broad and in-depth coverage has resulted in the development and production of competitive and leading-edge technological instruments which underpin the ESO medium- and long-term goals. Consequently, ESO can optimally embrace the global challenges and opportunities. With a broad team of experts in many areas of astronomy, will also enable the Organisation to contribute significantly to global astronomical knowledge and expertise.
