Tag Archives: Chile

Highest astronomical observatory

The highest astronomical observatory is the University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory, located at an altitude of 5,640 m (18,503 ft) on the summit of Cerro Chajnantor in a scientific reserve called Atacama Astronomical Park, Chile. The observatory houses a 1-m (3 ft 3.37 in) infrared telescope called miniTAO, which saw first light on 23 March 2009.

Largest virus

First isolated from a water sample collected off the Chilean coast in April 2010, Megavirus chilensis (or MGVC) has the largest capsid (protein shell) of any known virus, measuring 440 nm in diameter. This virus’s total diameter is approximately 700 nm, making it larger than some bacteria, and big enough to be seen not only with an electron microscope but also with a normal light microscope. Moreover, its genome (genetic complement) is a linear, double-stranded molecule of DNA consisting of 1,259,197 base pairs, which is Continue reading →

Most durable polo player

The most durable polo player is Pablo Moreno Wilson (Chile) (b. 15 October 1924), who has been playing polo regularly for over 62 years. Beginning in 1941, he has played in over 500 tournaments in different countries including Argentina, Peru, England, Brazil and South Africa. He still plays regularly now 78 years old, and was one of the first players to join the Chilean Polo Federation on its inception in May 1953.

Tree with most different fruit

The world record for the highest number of different fruits produced from the same tree is five: apricot, cherry, nectarine, plum and peach. The fruit species were grafted on to a prune tree in 2000 by Luis H. Carrasco E. (Chile) of Lo Barnechea, Santiago, Chile. Luis H. Carrasco E. is how he likes to spell his name.