During his visit to the IV Region, Ambassador Michael Hammer had the opportunity to visit the Mamalluca Observatory and the new dome that was installed last year after an agreement between the Academy of the Air Force from the United States, SOARD in Chile, and the Department of Physics of the University of La Serena. The agreement is for basic research and development with the goal of working with the Falcon telescope network (FTN).
The United States Air Force Academy, through SOARD in Chile, has signed a Joint Agreement for Basic Research and Development with the Mamalluca Observatory and the Department of Physics of University of La Serena.
The main focus of this collaboration is to work together with the Falcon Telescope Network (FTN). The FTN is a global network of small aperture telescopes primarily for collection of satellite observations and characterization but also for astronomical research.
All worldwide collaborators are associated with educational institutions. They will work together in developing educational initiatives. The FTN is intended to help undergraduate students in astronomical research but may be used by graduate students as well. Students will be able to conduct research in observational astronomy, such as variable stars, exoplanet transits, and asteroid detection and tracking. Likewise, collaborators will be able to provide outreach in astronomy for primary and secondary education.
