Speaker
Description
Astronomers are often stereotyped as gazing at the stars, but today they receive digital data from remote observatories. One of the most advanced and complex is the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile, managed by the European Southern Observatory (ESO). Multiple streams of information converge in the VLT control room, where telescopes and instruments are managed, with operators handling numerous tasks on dozens of screens in a challenging environment, marked by harsh geography, intense work rhythms, and isolation. We present the results of a pilot study aimed at assessing the current use of sound in the VLT control room. Based on the analysis of questionnaires and interviews conducted with ESO personnel, we identify the key characteristics of the current VLT soundscape, as well as opportunities for improved design strategies.