German Federal President Steinmeier Visits Paranal Observatory Amid Threats

Federal President Steinmeier and Director Genzel visited Chile’s Paranal Observatory amidst threats from a planned industrial facility. The Extremely Large Telescope, pivotal for astronomical research, is endangered by potential light and air pollution. Both representatives advocate for relocation of the industrial project to safeguard the observatory’s future.

Federal President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, along with Reinhard Genzel, Director of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics and Nobel Prize laureate, visited the European Southern Observatory’s Paranal Observatory in Chile. This delegation examined the construction site of the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), which is set to become the largest optical and infrared telescope globally. Its mission centers on exploring atmospheres of Earth-like planets and searching for extraterrestrial life, yet industrial developments threaten these objectives due to potential light and air pollution.

The collaboration between Genzel’s Max Planck Institute and the Paranal Observatory spans decades, significantly enhancing observations through the Gravity instrument and the Very Large Telescope (VLT). This technology contributed to the landmark discovery of the Milky Way’s supermassive black hole, earning Genzel the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2020. Current advancements, such as the Gravity+ upgrade, aim to facilitate deeper, clearer astronomical research using adaptive optics and enhanced imaging techniques, notably for the upcoming ELT project.

The Paranal Observatory stands at risk due to plans by the US energy firm AES Corporation to establish a large industrial site nearby, encompassing over 3,000 hectares. This facility, featuring production for ammonia and hydrogen as well as power generators, poses a significant threat to the observatory’s ideal conditions for astronomy, given its high altitude and clear skies crafted by the Atacama Desert’s unique environment.

In light of these concerns, the scientific community asserts the need for the AES Corporation to reconsider the project’s location to avoid compromising astronomical research. Reinhard Genzel advocates for dialogue, proposing that a minor relocation could resolve the issue while maintaining the integrity of scientific endeavors at Paranal. He reiterated that this does not represent a conflict between science and technology.

Steinmeier’s visit carried political significance, with German institutions seeking governmental support for the observatory’s preservation. He expressed admiration for Paranal, labeling it a “magical place” and highlighted the importance of protecting the observatory from any external light pollution to sustain collaboration between Germany and Chile in astronomical research. Additionally, during his trip, Genzel visited the University of Chile, where he discussed advancements in astronomy and was honored with the Rector’s Medal for his scientific contributions and fostering of bilateral relations.

The visit to the Paranal Observatory by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Reinhard Genzel underscores the crucial intersection of scientific research and environmental stewardship. The proposed industrial developments threaten the observatory’s unique conditions vital for astronomical studies. Collaborative efforts are needed to mitigate these threats, ensuring that this remarkable site continues to contribute significant findings in the field of astronomy. With governmental support, the preservation of such critical research sites may be achievable.

Original Source: www.mpg.de