Water in the desert

The bright blue skies over the Atacama Desert are reflected in a gathering of water on the floor of the Chajnantor Plateau, located 5000 metres above sea level in the Chilean Andes, in this spectacular shot.

The Atacama Desert is commonly known as the driest non-polar place in the world — some weather stations in the desert have never received rain! However, the desert — on average — receives about 15 millimeters of rainfall per year. As such, ALMA antennas such as the ones seen here, must undergo water testing — to ensure that during rare rainy periods, water doesn't reach their receiver cabins.