Inside the ALMA OSF

Dr Theodoros Nakos, Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) Test Scientist, points to results on computer screens during the process of calibrating and testing the accuracy of an antenna. The process takes place at the Operations Support Facility (OSF), over 1000 metres below Chajnantor Plateau.

ALMA is the largest ground-based astronomy project in existence, comprising a giant array of 12-metre submillimetre antennas, with maximum separations up to 16 kilometres. An additional compact array of 7-metre and 12-metre antennas complements the main array.