The Space Café Podcast #101: Answers to the biggest questions in reach – ELT project manager Roberto Tamai shares insights about the Extremely Large Telescope in Chile

SpaceWatch.Global is pleased to present: The Space Café Podcast #101:  Answers to the biggest questions in reach – ELT project manager Roberto Tamai shares insights about the  Extremely Large Telescope in Chile 

Episode 101 features special guest:  Roberto Tamai

In this captivating episode, Markus takes us on an exploratory journey to one of Earth’s most remote and intriguing places, the Atacama Desert, home to the future of astronomical discovery: The European Southern Observatory’s Extremely Large Telescope (ELT). Roberto Tamai, the project manager of the ELT, shares the human stories, technical marvels, and ambitious goals behind the world’s largest optical and near-infrared telescope.

Key Topics Covered:

• 🔹 ELT’s Vision: The drive and ambition behind constructing the world’s biggest telescope.
• 🔹 Challenges of Remote Engineering: Navigating the logistical hurdles of bringing groundbreaking technology to the Atacama Desert.
• 🔹 Human Side of Astronomy: The life and work dynamics in one of the most isolated places on Earth.
• 🔹 Aiming for the Stars: The scientific and existential questions the ELT aims to answer.
• 🔹 Musical Universe: The unique blend of engineering precision and human emotion, underscored by Roberto’s choice of music for the telescope’s first light.

Memorable Quotes:

• “I am creating a Spotify list for when we open the telescope with some music inside… it’s opening to you, to all the people, the window towards the universe.”
• “Sailing at night, it brings you to another place where you can enjoy the sky… It is another fantastic feeling.”

Must-Click Links:

• 🔹 Learn More About ELT: European Southern Observatory Official Site
• 🔹 Explore the Atacama Desert: Atacama Desert Information
• 🔹 Space Café Podcast’s Full Collection: SpaceCafe Podcast Archive

Choice of Music for the Spotify Playlist for the Aspiring Space Traveler:

• 🔹 Bolero de Ravel, symbolizing the opening of the ELT to the universe.

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The Space Cafe Podcast brings our signature brand of engaging and relevant content from across the global space economy to you via an exciting new format. Together with award-winning Executive Producer Markus Mooslechner (Terra Mater Factual Studios), our fortnightly podcast features guests that matter.

Thanks to our global distribution partner, BookWire, the podcast is available on all major podcast platforms.