The Fight to Preserve Earth's Darkest Skies from Industrial Light Pollution

The ESO's Paranal Observatory in Chile's Atacama Desert, renowned for its exceptionally dark and clear night skies, faces potential threats from a proposed industrial complex by AES Andes. This massive development, planned just 5 to 11 kilometers from the observatory, could lead to significant light pollution and other environmental impacts, jeopardizing critical astronomical research that has emerged from the site since its inception in 1999. The observatory has played a vital role in groundbreaking discoveries, including the first image of an exoplanet and observations of the Milky Way’s supermassive black hole, contributing to key advancements in our understanding of the Universe.

Experts, including ESO Director General Xavier Barcons, warn that the project's proximity poses an unprecedented risk to scientific observations and may hinder future astronomical endeavors funded by various government investments. The proposed complex, covering over 3000 hectares, includes a port and production facilities, which would disturb the area’s unique atmospheric stability essential for research. Relocating the project is crucial to preserving Paranal's dark skies, a natural heritage that benefits the global astronomical community. Scientists urge consideration of alternative sites to avoid irreversible damage to one of the world's premier astronomical locations.



https://instegro.net/the-fight-to-preserve-earths-darkest-skies-from-industrial-light-pollution/?fsp_sid=80916