Chile’s Night Skies Under Threat from Proposed Industrial Development
Chile’s Atacama Desert, known for its exceptional stargazing, is threatened by the proposed Inna project—a large hydrogen and ammonia plant set near key observatories. Astronomers argue that the facility will produce light pollution and environmental disturbances, severely affecting the quality of astronomical data. The scientific community emphasizes the need to preserve these dark skies to maintain Chile’s reputation in astronomical research.
Chile’s Atacama Desert, celebrated for its unparalleled stargazing potential, is facing threats due to a proposed industrial project. The Inna project, planned by AES Andes, is set to establish a significant green hydrogen and ammonia processing facility just 11.6 kilometers away from vital astronomical observatories. This 3,000-hectare site will include solar power plants, a port, and transport links, ultimately generating energy for the national grid.
Astronomers are alarmed by the potential impact this facility could have on the night skies. The illumination required for safety, along with light reflections from solar panels and machinery, could compromise observation quality. Concerns extend to dust from construction activities and atmospheric disturbances caused by wind turbines, which pose further risks to astronomical research.
Dr. Fabio Falchi emphasized that ideal astronomical locations require clear skies, minimal atmospheric interference, and darkness. The Paranal and Armazones sites in Chile are among the best globally, crucial for research conducted with the Very Large Telescope (VLT) and the forthcoming Extremely Large Telescope (ELT). The ELT, once completed, will enable groundbreaking observations, including the search for Earth-like exoplanets.
Light pollution could significantly downgrade the ELT’s data quality, equating its readings to those of a smaller telescope. Itziar de Gregorio, director of the European Space Observatory in Chile, highlighted the importance of maintaining atmospheric stability and darkness for advancing our knowledge of the universe. Without these conditions, Chile risks losing its status as a leader in astronomic exploration.
The public consultation for the Inna project concludes on April 3, 2023. While AES Chile claims commitment to environmental standards, astronomer Eduardo Unda-Sanzana argues that the invasive project undermines the long-term pursuit of knowledge. He views the proposed economic benefits as inadequate when weighed against humanity’s quest for understanding the cosmos.
Chile’s environmental regulations promote dark skies as a fundamental right, which could be compromised by the facility’s proximity to key observatories. Dr. Falchi criticized the decision to place such a project near critical astronomical sites. He urged for a more pragmatic approach to light pollution that mirrors successful efforts to combat atmospheric pollution, emphasizing the necessity of preserving the night sky for future generations.
The potential establishment of the Inna project poses a significant risk to Chile’s most renowned astronomical observatories due to light pollution and atmospheric disturbances. The scientific community has voiced strong opposition, underscoring the urgency of preserving Chile’s exceptional night skies for future research and understanding of the universe. Without proactive measures, Chile may lose its position as a global leader in astronomy, prompting the need for a reevaluation of the project’s feasibility.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
