CERRO PARANAL, Chile, Feb 6 (Reuters) - Chile's renowned dark desert skies, coveted by astronomers worldwide, are currently under threat due to urban and industrial expansion.
Astronomer Angel Otarola, a member of the light pollution committee of the Chilean Astronomical Society (SOCHIAS), highlights that light pollution around the cutting-edge Paranal Observatory stands at approximately 1%, jeopardizing the critical darkness necessary for astronomical research.
The protection we had before was mainly due to distance, but now these projects are encroaching closer, said Otarola, expressing concerns that industrial infrastructure and lighting may lead to a surge in artificial light pollution.
Chile, the leading copper producer globally and the second-largest lithium producer, has witnessed a surge in mining and renewable energy ventures in its mineral-rich northern region in recent years.
Emphasizing the importance of safeguarding "the world's best skies," Paranal telescope operator Marcela Espinoza stressed the need for Chile to maintain its appeal, ensuring that other nations continue selecting the region for setting up their observatories.
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) has identified the Inna project, a significant green hydrogen and ammonia initiative by AES Andes, a subsidiary of the U.S.-based AES Corporation, as a primary concern.
AES stated that the Inna project, initiated in 2021, encountered no objections regarding lighting concerns until August 2024. The company asserted that the development falls within an area designated by the state for renewable energy projects, making relocation unfeasible due to environmental obligations.
The company assured that the project could coexist harmoniously with astronomical observations, proposing collaboration with both the global and Chilean astronomy communities to elevate standards and showcase that with modern technology and a shift in mindset, the preservation of Chile's dark skies is achievable.
According to the company's studies, the projected increase in natural sky brightness would not surpass 0.27% on Paranal Hill and 0.09% on Armazones Hill due to the Inna project.
Chile's science minister, Aisen Etcheverry, informed Reuters that the government has established a committee to explore solutions facilitating the simultaneous advancement of astronomy and energy, acknowledging the significance of both realms to the administration.
We are actively seeking solutions, ranging from technical to diplomatic approaches, to facilitate the coexistence of these activities, stated Etcheverry.