ESO, Garching

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Introduction

ESO at Garching is the headquarter of the European Southern Observatory, operating many major telescopes (VLT, Alma) on half of the earth (the bottom half) for a consortium of "European" countries such as England and Brasil. You will enjoy the surrounding countryside, proposing charming landscapes when the weather is nice (at least, it is what is said by the lucky few that could witness it).

Population

Staff includes fellows and Very Important People.

What to see

Architecture is a must. The ESO building was designed by a schizophrenic architect: main entrance is on the second level, and the only way to go from point A to point B is to get lost somewhere in between.

Because ESO has a lot of money to operate telescopes, it can afford to nicely decorate its wall with giant astronomical pictures, painting inspired by astronomical pictures, and flat screens showing information and pictures from the staff members on a background of astronomical pictures.

Where to eat/drink ?

The giant nearby campus restaurant will offer you a choice of barely recognizable german food.
As in any italian colony, you will be able to find (after getting lost somewhere between point A and B, of course) a cafeteria with "decent" coffee (at least "decent" for any non-italian astronomer).

Events

Many talks, colloquium and conferences are organized.