Chile already has a new point for the development of physics and science in general. The Valparaíso Scientific and Technological Center installed CONDOR, the first device of the highest gamma-ray observatory in the world.
Located at 5,300 meters above sea level, in Atacama, CONDOR (acronym for Compact Network of Detectors with Orbital Range, Red Compacta de Detectores de Alcance Orbital) will serve to measure particles produced by the interaction of cosmic and gamma rays in the Earth’s atmosphere.
As explained by the CCTVal in a press release, the instrument will provide a complete and continuous view of the southern sky, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
“Its greatest advantage will be the great height at which it is located”, notes the statement, “Because it will allow the measurement of very low energy gamma rays that, due to the attenuation of the signals, are undetectable at a lower altitude.”
CONDOR, flying high for science
gamma rays They constitute a very penetrating electromagnetic radiation, similar to that of X-rays but with a longer wavelength. They are born with the disintegration of the nuclei of radioactive elements.
CONDOR will use the White Rabbit technology, from European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), which will grant a measurement of time with synchronization at the subnanosecond level.
Dr. Miguel Arratia, in charge of the project, explained that CONDOR “is a network of many identical elements that must be synchronized and combined.”
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About his visit, he described it as “an invaluable opportunity to establish the basic units that will be used in the CONDOR experiment. In addition to familiarizing ourselves with the place, we were able to demonstrate the remote operation of key technological elements, such as photosensors and the electronics necessary to acquire data and maintain synchronization”.
In addition to Arratia, they are part of the CONDOR project scientists such as Rene Rios, Loreto Romero, Sebastian Tapia, Nicholas Pradenas, Jairo Gonzalez, Eduardo Valdivia, Ignacio Peña, Edson Carquin, Yerko Muñoz and Cesar Guzman.
