Contact person: Sabrina Sartori. Email: sabrinsa@uio.no, phone: 98676975
Project web site: https://www.atlast.uio.no/atlast2/
and the relevant sub-project: https://www.atlast.uio.no/atlast2/wp5-energy/
Brief description of the project
Observations of the sky have yielded transformational results in the study of the origin of chemical complexity, the birth of stars and planetary systems, the evolution of galaxies across cosmic times and the large-scale architecture of the Universe. However, current telescopes are powered by diesel generators, responsible for the release of large amount of greenhouse gas emissions.
With the project AtLAST2 we investigate technical challenges and opportunities related to the implementation of renewable energy and storage solutions to power a new standalone telescope in Chile.
In the project we also involve nearby off-grid communities such as San Pedro de Atacama and surrounding Atacamen communities. These communities have not been involved before in the constructions of previous telescopes and have difficult relations with the astronomical community.
We therefore work with both scientific/technical research topics and involve local communities to define scenarios of social acceptance and political support, ensuring long-term sustainability of the project.
AtLAST2 infrastructure will be unique in the landscape of current research facilities, and our findings so far have proven to be of interest to the broader energy community.
Motivation for collaborating with an artist
Taking inspiration from the activities done by the Energy and Sustainability group of the EU project AtLAST2, through the collaboration with the artist we would like to explore ways of engaging local communities in Norway to stimulate a conversation about new ways to make energy infrastructures "green" and sustainable.
Examples of activities that the artist can participate in
The local team meet every second week. It consists of three faculty members and five associated researchers, plus master students. The artist can take part to those meetings and follow the development of the sustainability part of the project. We also organise meetings with colleagues from the astronomical community, which the artist can attend.
The artist can access various photos and data from our energy and social studies. Though work is mainly done in Oslo, fieldwork may be foreseen.
Timeline and work space
An office space will be available. Starting from August 2026, any time can be suitable.