Cerro Tololo: At the Edge of the Sky
- Theofanis Matsopoulos
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
My journey to Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO) in northern Chile was part of an official NOIRLab photo and video expedition, where I proudly serve as the organization's audiovisual ambassador. This expedition was part of an ongoing effort to visually document and preserve the legacy of some of the most important astronomical sites in the world — and Cerro Tololo is undoubtedly one of them.
Situated at an altitude of 2,200 meters in the Coquimbo Region of the Chilean Andes, CTIO is a cornerstone of global astronomical research. It is part of the NOIRLab network and has played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the universe for more than half a century. Since its inauguration in the 1960s, Cerro Tololo has hosted generations of astronomers and continues to support cutting-edge science today.
The observatory is home to a number of telescopes, including the Víctor M. Blanco 4-meter Telescope, which has contributed to countless discoveries, from mapping dark energy to surveying distant galaxies. CTIO has long served as a gateway to the southern sky, offering access to constellations and celestial objects that are invisible from the northern hemisphere. Its dark, dry skies and remote location make it one of the best observing sites on Earth.
My mission was to capture both daytime and nighttime imagery for high-resolution productions
tailored for planetarium domes and giant-screen formats. These immersive formats require not just beauty, but scale and precision. Shooting in such environments means working with motion control systems and panoramic rigs, often in harsh, unforgiving conditions.
And the desert doesn’t make it easy. The Atacama Desert, where CTIO is located, is one of the driest places on Earth. The extreme aridity creates ideal conditions for astronomy, minimal water vapor means exceptionally clear skies, but for photographers and filmmakers, it’s a physical and logistical challenge. The air is thin and dry, electronics and optics are exposed to fine dust, and even staying hydrated requires constant effort. After just a few hours, your skin cracks, your lips dry out, and your gear feels as though it’s been sandblasted.
Yet, the rewards are unmatched. As night falls, the sky comes alive in breathtaking detail. The Milky Way arches from horizon to horizon, and the southern constellations, many unfamiliar to northern eyes, rotate above the domes of the observatories. Standing there, surrounded by silence and stars, it’s easy to understand why this mountain has drawn scientists and explorers for generations.
Cerro Tololo is more than a scientific facility, it’s a monument to human curiosity and perseverance. I’m honored to help tell its story through visuals that will bring its sky, its history, and its significance to audiences around the world.
Comments