The Very
Large Telescope (VLT) sits in the distance from this view of the Residencia hotel
at Paranal Observatory in Chile.
Astronomers
working at VLT, one of the world's most advanced optical observatories, take
advantage of the observing conditions at the high-altitude, extremely dry site.
However, the Mars-like desert environment also makes living difficult with the
humidity dropping below ten percent, intense ultraviolet rays from the sun, and
the high altitude leaving people short of breath.
The Residencia
hotel was built in the base camp to provide respite from the arid environment,
with a domed roof (not visible in this image), enclosed tropical garden, and pool. The unique design even caught
the eye of filmmakers working on the new James Bond film "Quantum of
Solace," compelling them to film several crucial scenes at the location.
— ESO/Paranal and SPACE.com Staff
Credit: Gert Hüdepohl/Paranal
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