New building completed at Geneva Observatory
Non classé
29 June 2016
The new building of the Geneva Observatory has just been inaugurated. It will contribute to the influence of Geneva as a major center for astronomy research. Dubbed the “Astrotech”, the new building is dedicated to advanced research and technology in the field of astrophysics. Since the discovery in 1995 by Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz […]
The new building of the Geneva Observatory has just been inaugurated. It will contribute to the influence of Geneva as a major center for astronomy research.
Dubbed the “Astrotech”, the new building is dedicated to advanced research and technology in the field of astrophysics. Since the discovery in 1995 by Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz of the first extrasolar planet, the Astronomy Department of the University of Geneva enjoys an international reputation. Thanks to this extension, it will consolidate its position as a pioneer in the field of astrophysics.
Espresso, a high-resolution spectrograph capable of registering the signals of Earth-like planets, will be built and assembled at the new facility. Ten times more accurate than current spectrograph Harps, this new instrument is expected to be installed on the Very Large Telescope at Paranal Observatory, Chile, in early 2017.
Astrotech houses offices for researchers, a 200 sqm mechanical workshop and a 210 sqm ISO 7 clean room, among the largest in Switzerland. The new building cost 17.3 million francs and took less than two years to build.
