Giant Magellan Telescope and Coquimbo Regional Government Sign Strategic Partnership

The partnership aims to advance astronomy research and education in the Coquimbo region of Chile.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:11pm

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A bold, abstract painting in the style of Hilma af Klint, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise spirals in earthy tones of ochre, sage, and indigo against a clean, starry background, conveying the structural order and scale of the Giant Magellan Telescope's scientific mission.The Giant Magellan Telescope's strategic partnership with the Coquimbo Regional Government will leverage Chile's ideal astronomical conditions to drive groundbreaking discoveries and inspire the next generation of space explorers.Los Angeles Today

The Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) and the Coquimbo Regional Government in Chile have signed a strategic partnership agreement to collaborate on astronomy research, education, and outreach initiatives in the Coquimbo region. The partnership will leverage the GMT's cutting-edge observatory capabilities and the region's ideal astronomical conditions to drive scientific discoveries and inspire the next generation of astronomers.

Why it matters

The GMT is one of the world's most advanced ground-based telescopes, with the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the universe. By partnering with the Coquimbo Regional Government, the GMT can maximize its scientific impact and engage the local community in Chile, where the telescope is being constructed. This collaboration will also help strengthen Chile's position as a global leader in astronomy and promote STEM education in the region.

The details

The strategic partnership between the GMT and the Coquimbo Regional Government includes plans to establish educational programs, host public outreach events, and provide research opportunities for local scientists and students. The GMT will also work with the regional government to develop infrastructure and support services to facilitate the telescope's operations and maintenance.

  • The partnership agreement was signed on April 17, 2026.
  • The GMT is currently under construction in the Atacama Desert of Chile and is expected to begin scientific observations in the early 2030s.

The players

Giant Magellan Telescope

A next-generation ground-based telescope being constructed in the Atacama Desert of Chile, with the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the universe.

Coquimbo Regional Government

The regional government of Coquimbo, Chile, where the Giant Magellan Telescope is being built, and a key partner in advancing astronomy research and education in the region.

Daniel Jaffe

The president of the Giant Magellan Telescope Corporation.

Oscar Contreras

The vice president and representative of the Giant Magellan Telescope in Chile.

Cristobal Juliá

The governor of the Coquimbo region in Chile.

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What they’re saying

“This strategic partnership will allow us to leverage the GMT's cutting-edge capabilities and the Coquimbo region's ideal astronomical conditions to drive scientific discoveries and inspire the next generation of astronomers.”

— Daniel Jaffe, President, Giant Magellan Telescope Corporation

“We are excited to collaborate with the GMT team and bring the wonders of astronomy to our local community. This partnership will help strengthen Chile's position as a global leader in astronomy and promote STEM education in the Coquimbo region.”

— Cristobal Juliá, Governor, Coquimbo Regional Government

What’s next

The GMT and Coquimbo Regional Government will work together over the next several years to develop and implement the specific programs and initiatives outlined in the strategic partnership agreement, with the goal of having the first educational and outreach activities in place by the time the telescope begins scientific observations in the early 2030s.

The takeaway

The strategic partnership between the Giant Magellan Telescope and the Coquimbo Regional Government in Chile represents a significant step forward in leveraging the GMT's cutting-edge capabilities to advance astronomy research, education, and community engagement in the region. This collaboration will help solidify Chile's position as a global leader in astronomy and inspire the next generation of scientists and space explorers.