SOAR Telescope

The Southern Astrophysical Research (SOAR) Telescope is a 4.1-metre optical and infrared telescope on Cerro Pachón in the Chilean Andes at about 2,748 metres, roughly 400 metres from Gemini South and 12 kilometres from Cerro Tololo. It supports imaging, spectroscopy, adaptive-optics work and rapid follow-up astronomy through its international partnership and queue-observing programmes. SOAR collected first light in March 2004 and was formally dedicated in April 2004. It is an operational research site rather than a walk-in attraction: NOIRLab lists reservation-based public visits for the Cerro Pachón site when offered, while scheduled astronomers and other approved visitors must arrange access and transport in advance; check current booking, weather, safety and mountain-road conditions before travel.