ALMA Resumes Regular Operations - National Radio Astronomy Observatory

28 October 2019 – ALMA Resumes Regular Operations

The management team of the Joint ALMA Observatory have decided to return to regular operations over the next few days, with regular work shifts and scientific observations starting today, Monday 28 October 2019. “Scientific observations with ALMA stopped last Wednesday morning and we anticipate observations starting again this evening,” indicated ALMA Director Sean Dougherty.

The staff working at the Santiago central offices also returned to their regular schedules today. Flexibility in work hours and shifts will continue based on the particular needs of staff. The management team continues to monitor the evolution of the situation on a daily basis and will reassess decisions when necessary.

23 October 2019 – ALMA Prioritizes Employees’ Safety and Reduces Science Operations

In response to the state of emergency declared over the last few days in Chile, the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) is reducing to minimum operations, i.e. no science observations, and keeping just essential services to ensure the safety and well-being of its employees, and the Observatory. This measure applies to both the main offices in Santiago and the Observatory operations near Calama and San Pedro de Atacama, and will be reassessed daily. All ALMA staff are well, and the Observatory facilities are safe.

“The reasons for this decision are several, including the continued unrest in the Metropolitan area and other major cities, the state of emergency declared for Calama, and the concerns for supply chain continuity,” explained the Director of ALMA, Sean Dougherty.

Due to the transportation difficulties in the Chilean capital, ALMA personnel working in the main headquarters in Santiago have been given the option of working from home until the situation in the country settles down.

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Media contact:
Iris Nijman
Interim Public Information Officer for ALMA
alma-pr@nrao.edu

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