UK's groundbreaking MOONS instrument embarks on its journey to Chile's Atacama Desert

The largest and most complex astronomy instrument ever built in the UK has begun its journey to Chile. Known as MOONS, the 10-tonne device left the UK Astronomy Technology Centre in Edinburgh after years of development. Its final destination is the European Southern Observatory’s Paranal site in the Atacama Desert. MOONS was carefully removed from the Edinburgh facility using three articulated lorries. The operation required precision due to the instrument’s size and weight. The largest part, a 7-tonne spectrograph, made an additional stop in Glasgow for rotation and securing before continuing the trip.

All components will now be consolidated in Southampton. From there, they will be shipped to Chile in January 2026. Once installed on ESO’s Very Large Telescope, MOONS will undergo around five months of integration and testing.

Designed to observe up to 1,000 celestial objects at once, the instrument was constructed by an international team. The project was led by the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s UK Astronomy Technology Centre. First observations, known as ‘first light’, are expected in summer 2026. MOONS represents a major advance in astronomical observation. Its ability to study vast numbers of objects simultaneously will support research into galaxies, stars, and the early universe. The instrument’s arrival in Chile marks the final stage before it becomes operational next year.