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ESO

European Southern Observatory

The European Southern Observatory (ESO) enables scientists worldwide to discover the secrets of the Universe for the benefit of all. ESO designs, builds and operates world-class observatories on the ground — which astronomers use to tackle exciting questions and spread the fascination of astronomy — and promote international collaboration for astronomy.

Established as an intergovernmental organisation in 1962, today ESO is supported by 16 Member States (Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom), along with the host state of Chile and with Australia as a Strategic Partner.

The annual Member State contributions to ESO are approximately 216 million euros and ESO employs around 700 staff members. By building and operating a suite of the world’s most powerful ground-based astronomical telescopes, ESO offers numerous possibilities for technology spin-off and transfer, together with high technology contract opportunities and is a showcase for European industry.

The ESO Headquarters (comprising the scientific, technical and administrative centre of the organisation) are located in Garching near Munich, Germany. In Chile, ESO operates the Vitacura centre as well as three unique observing sites: La SillaParanal and Chajnantor.

ESO is building the 39-metre Extremely Large Telescope, the ELT, which will become “the world’s biggest eye on the sky”.