31. Science Diplomacy: United States and Chile Partner to Tackle Global Challenges
- Author:
- Michael A. Hammer
- Publication Date:
- 05-2015
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Institution:
- Council of American Ambassadors
- Abstract:
- The United States and Chile have been working together on scientific endeavors since the visit of US Navy Lieutenant James Gillis in 1849, when he established an astronomical observatory on the Santa Lucia hill in the center of Santiago. Fast forward to today, Chile houses 40 percent of the world's astronomy infrastructure and, by 2020, it will increase to 70 percent. In fact, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has invested over a billion dollars in equipment, infrastructure, and operations in Northern Chile's Atacama Desert, the driest place on earth. And, over the next decade, the NSF plans to add yet another billion dollars in support of its telescopes in Chile—projects that will help to unlock the mysteries of the universe.
- Political Geography:
- United States