ALMA's powerful friends

The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) — comprises 66 high-precision antennae, spread over distances of up to 16 kilometres. The ability to reposition the antennae is part of what makes ALMA such a powerful telescope. Each state-of-the-art component weighs in at over 100 tons, yet despite their bulk they require incredibly precise positioning. That is where the ALMA transporters, fondly named Otto and Lore, come in. These bright yellow behemoths are able to position the antennas to within a few millimetres, ensuring accurate placement on the antenna foundation pads.