Dr. Otarola is a civil engineer specializing in geography. He completed his undergraduate studies at the Universidad de Santiago de Chile between 1982 and 1989 and later earned a diploma in computer science from the Universidad Católica del Norte.
In 2006, Dr. Otarola obtained a Master of Science in atmospheric sciences, focusing his research on modeling the relative permittivity of liquid water at microwave frequencies. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in atmospheric sciences, with a minor in planetary sciences, in 2008. His doctoral research examined the effects of turbulence on microwave signal propagation in absorbing atmospheres.
Throughout his career, Dr. Otarola has held key scientific positions at the European Southern Observatory and at Thirty Meter Telescope International Observatory (in collaboration with California Institute of Technology). He has recently returned to the European Southern Observatory, where he serves as an atmosphere scientist.
Dr. Otarola has contributed extensively to international site-testing campaigns aimed at identifying optimal locations for major astronomical facilities, including the Atacama Large Millimeter Array and the Thirty Meter Telescope. His research centers on characterizing atmospheric properties at prospective observatory sites, as well as on the physical modeling and instrumental monitoring of atmospheric parameters critical to astronomical observations.
Beyond his scientific research, Dr. Otarola is deeply committed to preserving the natural brightness of the night sky. He serves on the Organizing Committee of the International Astronomical Union commission dedicated to protecting existing and future observatory sites. He is also a member of the Sociedad Chilena de AstronomÃa (SOCHIAS) Light Pollution Working Group and the Chilean Low-Earth Orbit Satellite Group, where he contributes research addressing the growing impact of satellite trails on astronomical imaging.
Dr. Otarola is an active member of several professional societies, including the International Astronomical Union, the American Astronomical Society, SOCHIAS, the American Meteorological Society, and the American Geophysical Union.