ESO, the European Southern Observatory, is a leading intergovernmental science and technology organization in astronomy. With its headquarters in Garching, near Munich, Germany, and its observing facilities in the Chilean Atacama Desert, ESO plays a vital role in promoting and organizing astronomical research. The organization is supported by 16 countries, including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, while Australia is a strategic partner.
ESO’s mission is to provide state-of-the-art research facilities to enable astronomers to make important scientific discoveries. The organization operates several world-class observing sites in Chile, including the La Silla Paranal Observatory, which hosts the Very Large Telescope (VLT), the Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy (VISTA), and the VLT Survey Telescope (VST). Additionally, ESO is constructing the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) at Cerro Armazones, which promises to revolutionize ground-based astronomy.
ESO’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its efforts to minimize its environmental impact and preserve the dark skies over its observing sites. The organization also actively supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion within its community.
In addition to its scientific endeavors, ESO engages with society through various programs, including architectural collaborations, artistic visits, and collaborations with artists. The organization also offers opportunities for the public to visit its sites, either in person or virtually, to learn about the latest astronomical discoveries and the cutting-edge technology used in astronomy.
ESO provides a wealth of resources for the public, including high-quality images, videos, and educational materials. Its extensive image and video archives showcase stunning visuals of celestial objects, astronomical phenomena, and the organization’s observatories. Moreover, ESO’s online shop offers a range of products, including books, educational materials, and merchandise, allowing astronomy enthusiasts to support the organization and further their knowledge of the universe.
