CTIO Directors

The Cerro Tololo Inter American Observatory has had prominent personalities as Directors.

Visit the links below to know a bit more about each CTIO Director.

Jurgen Stock

The first CTIO Director during 1963-1966. During the early 60's he directed the site surveys on horseback, searching for an adequate site for an astornomical observatory, which ended with the discovery of Cerro Tololo. Dr. Stock not only selected the site, he was instrumental in the construction of the road to the sumit and of the first installations of the observatory itself. His contributions to many areas of astronomy and other sciences played a key role in the development of astronomy in Latin America.

Dr. Stock passed away in April, 2004

Victor Blanco

Director from July 1967 until 1981. During his Directorship the 4-m telescope was constructed and brought into operation, it was then the largest telescope in the Southern Hemisphere, later on, in December 1995 "In appreaciation for many years of outstanding leadership and service at CTIO" the 4 meter telescope was named "Victor M. Blanco Telescope"

Victor Blanco was one of the towering figures of the last century in the development of international astronomy in Chile. At CTIO he formed a scientific, engineering and technical staff who were forefront in instrumentation and computers, he was also able to create a network of important people, both in the U.S. and in Chile, who shared a common goal and who had the influence to bring about the necessary policies and administrative structures that resulted in the extensive astronomical activity that exists today throughout Chile. His active participation in the Chilean community established CTIO as a Chilean icon.

Patrick Osmer

Director from 1981 to 1986. Dr. Osmer set high standards of research and service critical to the unique role of CTIO in US astronomy, he played a leading role in defining and bringing to fruition the international partnership of Gemini.

Dr. Osmer is currently Vice Provost and Dean at the Ohio State University

Robert Williams

Director from 1986 to 1993. Bob Williams' leadership promoted the development of major Programs such as Gemini and GONG which were to form part of the AURA observatory in Chile. Under his management the ground rules for these partnerships were established. He had the foresight to purchase an extension of land for AURA which allowed for the installation and protection of future astronomical installations.

Bob's commitment to the Observatory and its personnel reinforced the Tololino spirit.

Dr. Williams is currently a distinguished research scholar of the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) and president of the International Astronomical Union.

Robert Williams homepage [1]

Malcolm Smith

Director from 1993 to 2003. He had the key role -as Director and AURA representative in Chile- to the get the Astronomy Law passed through the Chilean Congress. Under his directorship the SOAR Telescope was built on Pachon and a 1.3m telescope (2MASS) was added to the small telescope facilities at CTIO.

Dr. Smith is still very active in public outreach in Chile and abroad. His leadership in fighting light pollution is recognized worldwide. Dr. Smith lead the effort in the promotion of the Chilean light pollution law, helping set up regulations and dealing with local authorities to forestall further contamination in the IVth Region.

Malcolm continues to work at CTIO as staff astronomer.

Alistair Walker

The 6th director of CTIO from 2003 to 2008. He worked with the Yale team led by Charles Bailyn in setting up SMARTS, and played a crucial role in the decadal review. During his period the DECam project was born and the LSST Project chose the site where it will construct its future installations on AURA property.

Dr. Walker continues as a staff astronomer at CTIO.

Chris Smith

CTIO director from 2008 till 2012