A row of large white satellite dishes stands on the barren Atacama landscape at dusk. The sky is a gradient of pale pink and blue, hinting at a sunset. These dishes are part of a scientific observatory, likely used for astronomical observations.
Under the starry night sky of Atacama, a row of large radio telescopes is illuminated by green lights. Silhouetted against a dense cluster of stars, they create a serene and high-tech atmosphere, perfectly blending nature's wonder with human innovation.
Snow formations called penitentes, resembling sharp, jagged spikes, rise from the barren desert landscape of the Atacama with mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

Eyes of the Atacama

Science·1 x 53 min·Completed

Discover the Atacama Desert's ALMA observatory, where cutting-edge technology reveals cosmic mysteries and transforms our understanding of the universe.

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Genre
Science
Duration
1 × 53 min
Definition
HD
Audio
5.1
Status
Completed
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Synopsis

Additionally available in Spanish

The Atacama desert in Chile is the driest place on earth. Here, in one of the most inhospitable regions on our planet the biggest space observatory ever constructed by man has been built. ALMA – the Atacama Large Millimeter Array – takes space observation to new heights.

Equipped with the most advanced technology astronomers can investigate the origins of the universe, the birth of solar systems and planets, mysterious dark molecular clouds, and many other astronomical enigmas.

ALMA consists of 68 enormous parabolic antennae, trapping cosmic rays in hitherto virtually unobservable long-wave range – something that is only possible here at an altitude of 5,300 metres and extremely low humidity levels.

The conditions at over 5,000 metres are extreme and the international construction project costing a total of over 11 billion Euro funded by Europe, the US and Japan, has been a gigantic challenge for engineers and scientists alike.
But all their endeavours have been worth it: ALMA is designed to solve puzzles far beyond earthly concerns. Through the ‘Eyes of the Atacama’, as scientists call this impressive array of antennae, they hope to establish new milestones in astronomy.

Research results are depicted in elaborate animated sequences, creating genuine works of art out of the assembled mass of data. This will bring us closer to understanding the creation of life, the origin of the universe and the nature of infinity…

In large-scale images combined with an eye for detail, we bring to life the adventure of space research. In addition, we get insights into the fascinating area where ALMA has been built – the breathtaking landscape, fauna and flora in one of the remotest corners of the earth.

Team

Written and directed by Annette and Klaus Scheurich
Executive producers Ivo Filatsch, Sabine Holzer
Production companies Produced by Terra Mater Factual Studios

Awards & Recognitions

Vaasa, Finland Wildlife Vaasa International Nature Film Festival Special Mention (Category: Science) 2016
Athens, Greece International Science Film Festival Innovation & Technology - Prize 2015
New York, USA New York Festivals® International TV & Film Awards Gold World Medal (Category: Science & Technology) 2014
Jackson, USA Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival, Science Media Awards Best Physical Sciences Program 2014
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