The Atacama Desert, famed for its dark skies ideal for stargazing, faces potential disruption from the Inna project, a large-scale industrial hydrogen facility near key observatories. Astronomers warn that the project’s light pollution could compromise critical research and result in a loss of Chile’s astronomical leadership. Public consultations will evaluate this significant development’s environmental implications.
Chile’s Atacama Desert, known for its unparalleled stargazing opportunities due to its clear and dark skies, now faces a significant threat. The imminent construction of the Inna project, a proposed industrial-scale green hydrogen and ammonia processing plant, could dramatically impact the astronomical observations essential for scientific advancement. Located just 11.6 kilometers from a leading observatory, this facility’s activities may introduce harmful light pollution and atmospheric turbulence, jeopardizing the quality of data collected by astronomers.
Inevitably, the project, comprising 3,000 hectares of land and additional infrastructure such as ports and solar power plants, has raised concerns among the astronomical community. Experts emphasize that the necessary illumination for nighttime safety at the facility could hinder the rare conditions that make regions like Paranal and Cerro Armazones ideal for astronomical research. As Dr. Fabio Falchi pointed out, “An ideal location for ground-based astronomy requires three things: a large number of clear nights, low atmospheric interference, and dark skies.”
Chile’s observatories have produced critical discoveries, including readings that have won Nobel prizes. The Very Large Telescope at Paranal and the upcoming Extremely Large Telescope are anticipated to further our understanding of the universe. However, increased brightness from surrounding developments could diminish their effectiveness, as noted by Dr. Falchi: “Brighter skies lower the quality of the data you can collect.”
The European Space Observatory (ESO) asserts the necessity of maintaining atmospheric stability and darkness for continued astronomical progress. ESO’s director in Chile, Itziar de Gregorio, underscored the importance of preserving Paranal, stating, “If we lose it, we lose one of our last windows into the universe.” A forthcoming public consultation regarding the Inna project will provide the community with a voice in these critical discussions.
Despite claims from AES Chile regarding their commitment to environmental standards, astronomer Eduardo Unda-Sanzana argues that economic development should not take precedence over the long-term benefits of understanding the universe. Chile’s progress in regulating light pollution reflects its commitment to maintaining dark skies, with Dr. Falchi emphasizing the need to prioritize this issue comparably to atmospheric pollutants. Thus, the battle against light pollution remains crucial for safeguarding the night sky and preserving Chile’s status as an astronomical leader.
In summary, the proposed Inna project poses a significant risk to Chile’s prime astronomical sites due to potential light pollution and atmospheric disturbances. The scientific community, led by prominent astronomers and institutions like ESO, emphasizes the importance of maintaining dark skies for optimal observations. As public consultations approach, the situation necessitates a careful balance between economic development and the preservation of Chile’s vital astronomical heritage.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
