'Alma' sets new heights for astronomy

[Rick]

Across the precipice, I can see a volcano spewing sulphurous fumes from its caldera. Under foot, the earth is so dry, not even the hardiest of plants can survive.

And here, 5,300m above sea level, the oxygen is so thin we are halfway to the vacuum of space.

More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/5253332.stm