02.11.15 / Cerro Tololo, Chile

Compared to my previous journeys to South Africa and Australia, the “public side” of astronomy is a little different here. As it is rather difficult for the public to visit Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (you have to register for a tour at least two months in advance, which then takes place only on Saturdays), astronomy tourism flourishes in so-called “tourist observatories” (there are quite a few of them around available for guided stargazing and didactic introductions to various fields of astronomy). However, ‘Hacienda Los Andes’, an outdoor-lodge close to Cerro Tololo, is quite the place for astro-photographers. Four professional systems for astro-photography have been installed there in a beautiful setting to experience and capture the Southern Skies.