German Federal President Visits Chilean Observatory Under Threat from Industry
German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, alongside Reinhard Genzel, visited the threatened Paranal Observatory in Chile, focusing on the risks posed by a nearby industrial plant that could cause light and air pollution, negatively impacting astronomical research. They discussed the importance of safeguarding this unique research site, emphasizing cooperation between Germany and Chile in coordinating scientific efforts.
In a significant visit, German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, accompanied by Reinhard Genzel, the Nobel Prize winner and Director of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, toured the Paranal Observatory and the construction site of the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) in Chile. This leading observatory is at risk due to a proposed industrial plant nearby, which could severely disrupt astronomical research by introducing light and air pollution, thus obstructing the clarity essential for impactful observations.
The association between Genzel’s institute and the Paranal Observatory spans decades, particularly through the Gravity instrument, which allows the four 8-meter telescopes of the Very Large Telescope (VLT) to function as a single large observatory. This groundbreaking technology facilitated the discovery of the supermassive black hole in the Milky Way, earning Genzel the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2020. Currently, a new system called Gravity+ is being installed to enhance the observational capabilities of the VLT, a project which MPE is leading.
The Paranal Observatory, recognized for its unparalleled conditions for astronomical research due to its elevation and the clarity of the Atacama Desert skies, faces an immediate threat from a large-scale industrial facility planned by AES Corporation. This facility would span over 3,000 hectares and include extensive production and power-generation facilities, leading to detrimental light and air pollution that would compromise the observatory’s operations.
The institutions involved are advocating for the relocation of the industrial project, emphasizing the urgency of maintaining the observatory’s research capabilities. Genzel expressed optimism about reaching a reasonable compromise with AES Corporation, asserting that a slight shift in location could avert the impending crisis. He clarified that this issue is not a confrontation between science and industry, but rather a collaborative effort to sustain astronomical observation.
Steinmeier’s visit underscored the political dimensions of this situation. He expressed admiration for the Paranal Observatory, calling it a “magical place,” and reaffirmed the importance of protecting its status for future research endeavors. He highlighted the cooperative relationship between Germany and Chile in pursuing pioneering scientific research, asserting the need to safeguard the site against external light pollution.
During his trip, Genzel also engaged with the academic community at the University of Chile, where he delivered a lecture on advancements in black hole research and the pivotal role of Chile in global astronomy. In recognition of his contributions to science and collaboration with Chilean institutions, he was honored with the Rector’s Medal of the University of Chile.
The visit by German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Reinhard Genzel to the Paranal Observatory emphasizes the critical intersection of environmental protection and scientific advancement. The proposed industrial facility poses serious risks to cutting-edge astronomical research, urging stakeholders to seek cooperative solutions for preserving these vital research environments. Overall, both scientific collaboration and political support are essential in ensuring the observatory’s future continuity and success. This situation illustrates the delicate balance between technological development and the preservation of outstanding natural sites for research, which are crucial for global scientific endeavors.
Original Source: www.mpg.de
