The construction site

We introduce Mt. Chajnantor, where TAO will be constructed, and San Pedro de Atacama, which is a town close to Mt. Chanjantor.

Mt. Chajnantor, where TAO will be constructed

We completed the construction of a road to the summit of Mt. Chajnantor, where TAO will be placed, in April 2006. A weather monitor and an infrared cloud monitor have been installed there, and automated acquisition of meteorological data and cloud cover has been started.

▲ White jagged lines seen on the mountain surface are the road to the summit from the foot of Mt. Chajnantor.	▲ A blue gate at the starting point of the road to the summit.
▲ A view of the TAO road.	▲ A view from the TAO road. The mountain seen behind is Mt. Chascon.
▲ A container built at the summit of Mt. Chajnantor. An infrared cloud monitor and a power generator have been placed on the roof of the container.	▲ The display of the infrared cloud monitor in operation.
▲ There is a monument to celebrate the friendship between San Pedro de Atacama and Japan at the summit of Mt. Chajnantor.

San Pedro de Atacama, a town close to Mt. Chajnantor

San Pedro de Atacama is about two hours' drive from Mt. Chajnantor.

▲ a souvenir store	▲ a street
▲ the central square	▲ a large flock of sheep