Portuguese Researchers Install Solar Telescope in Chile

A significant milestone for Portuguese science is unfolding high in the Chilean Andes. A dedicated team of 12 Portuguese researchers is currently installing a state-of-the-art, remotely operated solar telescope in the Atacama Desert, one of the world’s premier locations for astronomical observation. This project represents a major contribution from Portugal to the global scientific community’s quest to understand our closest star.

Introducing the POET Solar telescope Chile Portugal

The new instrument, named POET (Paranal Solar EXPRESSO Telescope), is a testament to Portuguese innovation. Developed by a team from the Institute of Astrophysics and Space Sciences, with affiliations to the universities of Lisbon and Porto, the telescope was partly constructed in the laboratories of the University of Lisbon. While some structural components were sourced from Italy, the core design and testing took place in Portugal.

What makes POET particularly advanced is its robotic, remote-operation capability. Once installed, it will allow scientists to conduct high-resolution observations of the Sun directly from Portugal, minimizing the need for on-site presence at its remote location.

A Prime Location: The Paranal Observatory

The telescope’s new home is the European Southern Observatory’s Paranal Observatory, situated at an altitude of 2,600 meters in the arid Atacama Desert. This site is renowned for its clear skies and stable atmospheric conditions, making it ideal for astronomy. While Paranal already hosts some of the world’s most powerful telescopes for observing distant galaxies at night, POET is set to fill a crucial gap by providing dedicated, high-quality solar data during the day.

The team of researchers embarked on their three-week installation mission on March 14, 2026, with the first data from the telescope anticipated around April 8.

Unlocking the Sun’s Secrets

The primary scientific goal of the POET telescope is to study the Sun in unprecedented detail. By observing our own star with such high precision, astronomers can use it as a “guinea pig” to better understand the physics of other, more distant stars.

These detailed solar observations will also help scientists overcome the atmospheric “noise” that can interfere with observations of exoplanets and other Earth-like systems made by the night-time telescopes at Paranal. In essence, by meticulously studying the Sun, POET will enhance the quality and accuracy of a wide range of astronomical research conducted at the observatory. This project not only highlights Portuguese expertise in astrophysics but also strengthens international scientific collaboration in our ongoing exploration of the cosmos.