European Southern Observatory

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 ground-based astronomical observatory. 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.

Today’s Picture of the Week celebrates the intricate design of the Multi Object Optical and Near-infrared Spectrograph, or MOONS, a new instrument at ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) that recently performed its first observations. Shown here, suspended in darkness, are two of MOONS’ infrared cameras. These multi-tiered shiny metal structures, covered in bolts and cables, will be used to probe the construction of our galaxy and those beyond.

ESO’s newest scientific instrument, the Multi-Object Optical and Near-infrared Spectrograph (MOONS) has successfully made its first observations, achieving what astronomers call First Light. Mounted on ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) at Cerro Paranal in northern Chile, MOONS will be able to study 1000 objects at once. It will observe red and infrared light, allowing astronomers to peer into the heart of our galaxy as well as study how distant galaxies formed.

What you’ll discover in this blog post: Why engineers have built a new instrument with a thousand robotic arms How this new instrument will help the VLT study galaxies both far away and close to home The challenges of building and testing a complex infrared spectrograph ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) at Paranal Observatory has a brand new instrument to observe the night sky: MOONS, short for the Multi Object Optical and Near-infrared Spectrograph.

Today, September 2, the European Southern Observatory (ESO) is opening reservations for daytime public tours for the southern-hemisphere 2026 spring season (October through December) at its Paranal Observatory in Chile. ESO will also offer free round-trip transportation to Paranal from the cities of Antofagasta, in a sporadic manner, and Taltal, once a month, thanks to a collaboration with local public institutions.

The European Southern Observatory (ESO) offers an exceptional opportunity for PhD students to conduct research in a dynamic and scientifically rich environment. Our Studentship Programme allows students to work at one of the world's leading observatories for a period of a minimum of 6 months and up to two years. As the premier intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe, ESO boasts a vibrant community of approximately 110 staff astronomers, 40 fellows, and 40 PhD students.

The European Southern Observatory (ESO) offers an exceptional opportunity for PhD students to conduct research in a dynamic and scientifically rich environment. Our Studentship Programme allows students to work at one of the world's leading observatories for a period of one to two years. As the premier intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe, ESO boasts a vibrant community of approximately 110 staff astronomers, 40 fellows, and 40 PhD students.

Today, 1 September 2026, Andreas Kaufer began his term as ESO's Director General. Kaufer takes up the role as the construction of ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) approaches its final stages, ALMA undergoes a major upgrade, and ESO begins the search for its next programme. He succeeds Xavier Barcons, who has served as ESO’s Director General from 2017 until the end of his term on 31 August 2026. Kaufer says: “My priorities for the next five years are very clear.

An unusual sight greets Cerro Armazones, in Chile’s Atacama Desert, in this drone image, taken on 19 August 2026. Snow blankets parts of the mountain while low clouds drift around the dome of ESO's Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), glowing in the light of a low Sun. Cerro Armazones was chosen as the ELT's home for its exceptionally dry conditions, clear skies and rock-steady atmosphere — conditions among the best on Earth for observing the Universe.

On Tuesday August 25, 2026, Ximena Lincolao, Chile’s Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation, visited ESO’s Paranal Observatory in Chile’s Antofagasta Region. The minister was accompanied by Héctor Bravo, the Science Regional Ministerial Secretariat of Antofagasta. During the visit, they toured the construction site of ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) and learned about the operations of ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT).