Threat to Chile’s Astronomical Leadership from Proposed Industrial Plant

Chile’s Atacama Desert, acclaimed for its clear night skies, is threatened by a proposed industrial plant that could introduce light pollution, impacting vital astronomical observations and research. The scientific community unanimously opposes the project, warning it jeopardizes Chile’s position as a leader in global astronomy.

Chile’s Atacama Desert is renowned for its pristine night skies, vital for astronomical research. Indigenous peoples historically interpreted the dark spaces between stars as ancestral forms. However, these exceptional conditions face a significant threat from AES Andes’ proposed industrial-scale green hydrogen and ammonia plant. Planned to be developed just 11.6 kilometers from a key observatory, this project poses potential light pollution that could disrupt astronomical observations and affect valuable research data.

The proposed AES Andes industrial facility threatens the exceptional astronomical conditions in Chile’s Atacama Desert, risking light pollution that would impact significant observatories like Paranal and Armazones. The scientific community emphasizes that preserving the dark skies is crucial for ongoing astronomical research and exploration. The continued investment in Chile’s astronomical leadership hinges on maintaining its unique nighttime environment.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com