CTAO Becomes a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC)

On January 7, 2025, the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO) was officially established as the 29th ERIC by the European Commission, marking a major step in advancing gamma-ray astronomy. This milestone strengthens the Observatory’s legal framework and accelerates the construction of over 60 telescopes across its two sites in La Palma, Spain, and Paranal, Chile.

The CTAO was recognized as an ESFRI Landmark in 2018 and entering the new area will be set to transform high-energy astrophysics, studying black holes, dark matter, and cosmic rays. The ERIC status ensures long-term stability, international collaboration, and funding coordination, paving the way for construction to begin.

The CTAO ERIC includes Austria, Czech Republic, ESO, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Slovenia, and Spain, with Switzerland, Japan, and Australia as partners. Over the next three years, the Observatory will deploy its first gamma-ray telescopes, aiming to be fully operational by the end of the decade.

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