The IVth Region of Chile, of which La Serena is the capital, is famous for its exceptionally clear and pure blue skies. They are considered among the best in the world for carrying out astronomical observations and observatories in this region such as CTIO on Cerro Tololo, Gemini South and Soar on Cerro Pachón, the LSST on Cerro El Peñón, Las Campanas and ESO on La Silla are some of the most important in the southern Hemisphere.
Lately, many tourist observatories have been built in La Serena area: Mamalluca, Collowara, El Pangue, Cruz del Sur , Cerro Mayu.
Chile is regarded as one of the safest countries in South America and La Serena, a quiet, provincial city, lives up to its name in this respect. Moreover, it offers the perfect atmosphere in which to concentrate and study.