Working at the ALMA Observatory Operations Support Facility

1 March, 2017 / Read time: 1 minute

Joint ALMA Observatory Radio Astronomer Dr. Violette Impellizzeri talks about the harsh conditions of working on site at ALMA. 

Most of the staff at the OSF work once a month for a shift of eight days followed by seven days off. Typically, day shifts can last around or more than 12 hours. This type of work at 10,000 feet in elevation can place a heavy strain on the body and psyche, so staff members work on a schedule of intense periods driven by momentum followed by routine time off.

Credits: National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO)