About Us – Deep Sky Chile

About Deep Sky Chile

Deep Sky Chile

A successful project often begins with a simple idea. Our vision is to provide our clients with the opportunity to host their astronomical equipment under the clearest skies in the world while allowing them to control it remotely. After traveling extensively throughout Chile to identify the ideal location for our robotic observatories, we chose the Rio Hurtado area.

While the skies of Atacama and the Elqui Valley have a solid reputation among astronomers, we observed that these regions have become increasingly touristy, leading to rising light pollution without any special measures from local authorities to address the issue. In contrast, the Rio Hurtado Valley remains protected, situated away from major cities yet easily accessible. It offers the darkest skies and the best conditions we have found in Chile. We share the same sky as the renowned Cerro Tololo, Gemini South, and the new Vera C. Rubin (LSST) observatories.

About Us: Deep Sky Chile chose to build robotic observatories in the area of Rio Hurtado

Franck Jobard

Franck is Deep Sky Chile’s onsite engineer. He is a mechanical engineer specializing in optics and microsystems. He started his career in micromechanics as a modeling and CAD engineer and later managed a company with up to 50 employees for over 13 years. An astrophotographer since 2006, he built an automated observatory in 2009 and discovered the planetary nebula Jo1 in 2015.

In 2019, Franck and his family relocated to Chile, settling close to the observatories.

Cédric Thomas

Cedric is Deep Sky Chile’s network and telecommunications engineer. After spending over seven years studying and working abroad, he returned to France in 2007 and founded his own IT company, which he still manages today.

An astrophotographer since 1995, he captured his first image at age 16 during comet Hale-Bopp’s passage. In 2008, he built a remote observatory in his backyard.

Vigney González Rojas

Vigney is Deep Sky Chile’s legal representative. He was born in the Rio Hurtado Valley and returned there with his family after years in the city. He has an in-depth knowledge of the land and its community.

As a long-time entrepreneur, Vigney is fully committed to all his projects. Living near the observatories, he can quickly respond to onsite needs.

Lucas Thibaud

Lucas is Deep Sky Chile’s on-site technician. He is living at the facility to ensure the smooth operation of your telescope daily. With a background in metallurgy and foundry, he worked as a manufacturing engineer for four years before transitioning to technical sales and international consulting.

A passionate astronomer, Lucas has been actively involved in observatory missions and astronomy clubs. Since 2012, he has also been dedicated to astrophotography.

Yovanka González

Yovanka is Deep Sky Chile’s logistics manager. She is overseeing the efficient handling of shipments and supplies. Based in Ovalle, she manages the receipt of small parcels from our customers, ensuring timely and accurate deliveries. With her strong organizational skills and local expertise, Yovanka plays a key role in streamlining logistics operations and supporting the team’s overall efficiency.

Guillermo Plaza

Guillermo is Deep Sky Chile’s permanent guardian. He is responsible for the physical security of the observatories. Living at the entrance to the site, he ensures round-the-clock protection, monitoring access and maintaining a safe environment. Guillermo’s presence is essential to the security and smooth operation of the facility.

Teaching astronomy in Pichasca

Every Wednesday, Franck teaches astronomy to students at Pichasca Middle School, a small village located 45 minutes from the observatories in Rio Hurtado Valley. His teaching method combines theoretical lessons with hands-on observation sessions, allowing students to explore the wonders of the southern sky.

To enhance the learning experience, Deep Sky Chile has donated a camera-equipped telescope to the school, introducing students to the field of astrophotography. This telescope complements the existing equipment and is utilized during the school’s weekly astronomy club outings.

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