The Atacama Desert in Chile, recognized for its pristine stargazing conditions, is jeopardized by AES Andes’ proposed industrial-scale green hydrogen project. This development, situated near critical observatories, poses significant risks of light pollution and compromised data collection. The astronomical community is staunchly opposed, urging the protection of these vital skies that support groundbreaking research and innovation.
Chile’s Atacama Desert, known for its ideal stargazing conditions, faces new threats from development. Situated 130 kilometers south of Antofagasta, the area offers breathtaking views of comets and star-filled skies. Indigenous peoples have historically viewed these celestial formations, linking them to their ancestors. As home to some of the darkest skies suitable for astronomical observation, Chile has emerged as a leader in global astronomy.
However, recent plans proposed by AES Andes for an industrial-scale green hydrogen and ammonia processing facility raise concerns. The Inna project, covering 3,000 hectares and featuring a port, infrastructure, and solar power plants, is only 11.6 kilometers from a key observatory. Chile’s environmental regulator has criticized the project’s location, yet a deadline to halt the $10 billion initiative has passed, leaving astronomers anxious about the future of their observatories.
The astronomical community is united against the project. They emphasize that the required nighttime illumination for safety, along with reflections from machinery, will compromise observational quality. Furthermore, issues like construction dust and air turbulence from wind turbines have scientists worried about the impact on readings. According to Dr. Fabio Falchi, optimal astronomy locations require minimal light, clear skies, and low atmospheric interference.
The Very Large Telescope at Paranal observatory is located 2,600 meters above sea level in this region, responsible for Nobel-winning research. Meanwhile, the Extremely Large Telescope is being constructed on Cerro Armazones and will be the most powerful ever built, designed to examine distant galaxies further than before. Dr. Falchi warns that increased light pollution could render the ELT’s readings akin to that of a smaller telescope.
Itziar de Gregorio, director of the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in Chile, stresses the importance of maintaining the high-quality skies essential for advancing astronomical research. ESO, which has been in Chile for over 60 years, relies on atmospheric stability and darkness to further our understanding of the universe. Losing Paranal observatory’s exceptional conditions would be a severe blow to science and investment in Chile.
The public consultation for the Inna project concludes on April 3. Although AES Chile asserts its commitment to environmental standards and alignment with green hydrogen objectives, astronomer Eduardo Unda-Sanzana argues that the long-term value of preserving knowledge and research outweighs economic gains from industrial development. “It is a false equivalence: human beings and the knowledge they pursue are worth considerably more than the money that ends up in their pockets each month.”
Chile has enacted pioneering light pollution regulations, advocating for dark skies as a societal right. Dr. Falchi views the decision to position the facility near the world’s largest telescope as nonsensical, urging policymakers to combat light pollution similar to atmospheric pollution challenges. Without proactive measures, the region’s precious night skies may be forever lost.
The proposed Inna project threatens Chile’s renowned dark skies essential for astronomical research. The astronomical community firmly opposes this initiative, fearing that industrial development will lead to light pollution and compromised observational conditions. Leading astronomers emphasize the critical nature of maintaining atmospheric stability and minimal light interference to advance our understanding of the universe. Ultimately, the preservation of these exceptional skies must take precedence over short-term economic developments.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
