Chile’s Atacama desert is renowned for its dark, clear skies ideal for astronomy, but plans for the Inna industrial plant threaten to disrupt this. The facility’s proximity to key observatories raises concerns over light pollution and data quality. Astronomers warn that if the project proceeds, the future of astronomical research in Chile is at risk due to environmental changes.
The Atacama desert in Chile, known as the driest non-polar region on Earth, boasts some of the clearest night skies, perfect for stargazing. Indigenous peoples historically recognized the significance of these dark skies, associating constellations with their ancestors and animal forms. However, the pristine conditions are now jeopardized by plans for an industrial-scale green hydrogen and ammonia processing plant proposed by AES Andes, which could disrupt the vital observatories nearby.
The Inna project, planned to cover 3,000 hectares, includes a port, transportation infrastructure, and three solar power plants. It is alarmingly only 11.6 kilometers from a key astronomical observatory. Despite criticism from Chile’s environmental regulator concerning its location, the deadline for cancellation has passed, leaving the future of the observatories in peril.
Astronomers dismiss the Inna project, citing its potential to increase light pollution and atmospheric interference that could impact observational data. Dr. Fabio Falchi emphasizes the need for clear skies, stable atmosphere, and minimal interference, highlighting that few places on Earth meet these ideal conditions, especially Paranal and Armazones.
Paranal hosts the Very Large Telescope (VLT), renowned for its contributions to cosmic research, including Nobel Prize-winning discoveries. Nearby, the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) is under construction and promises unprecedented views of distant galaxies and potential Earth-like exoplanets—a significant advancement contingent on maintaining quality observational conditions.
Dr. Falchi warns that increased brightness would degrade data quality, equating it to using a smaller telescope. The European Space Observatory (ESO), operating in Chile for over six decades, emphasizes the imperative nature of maintaining dark skies to continue advancing humanity’s understanding of the universe.
Itziar de Gregorio of ESO warns that losing Paranal would compromise Chile’s status as an astronomical leader, affecting future investments and projects. Meanwhile, AES Chile claims commitment to environmental standards, arguing its project aligns with national goals for green hydrogen despite opposition from the astronomical community.
Astronomers like Eduardo Unda-Sanzana argue the long-term value of astronomical research must outweigh short-term economic benefits of new industrial projects. Chile’s light pollution regulations are amongst the most progressive, advocating for dark skies as a fundamental right. Dr. Falchi criticizes the facility’s proximity to the world’s largest telescope, suggesting a need for stricter measures against light pollution to preserve the night sky.
The proposed Inna project poses a serious threat to the world’s leading astronomical sites in Chile, crucial for ongoing cosmic research. Light pollution and atmospheric disturbances from the project could degrade the quality of data collected by significant observatories like Paranal and Armazones. Protecting these dark skies is vital for maintaining Chile’s role in astronomical advancements and preserving the integrity of scientific exploration in the universe.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
