Chile’s Atacama Desert, famed for its dark and clear skies, faces a significant threat from the proposed Inna project by AES Andes, which aims to build a large-scale green hydrogen facility near key observatories. The project’s illumination and associated pollution could jeopardize astronomical research and Chile’s standing in the global astronomy community, highlighting a conflict between industrial development and scientific integrity.
The Atacama Desert, recognized as the driest non-polar region, offers unparalleled stargazing, where pristine night skies illuminate celestial bodies, inspiring Indigenous peoples to envision constellations of their ancestors. This unique setting has established Chile as a global leader in astronomy; however, a new industrial project poses a significant threat to this celestial haven.
Energy company AES Andes has proposed the Inna project, a vast initiative for green hydrogen and ammonia production. This facility, spanning 3,000 hectares and including a port and solar power plants, is located alarmingly close to key observatories, approximately 11.6 kilometers from one of the most important sites.
Chile’s environmental regulator has voiced concerns over the project, yet the deadline to halt it has passed, leaving astronomical experts apprehensive about the potential consequences. Critics assert that the necessary illumination for safety and operational purposes will diminish the quality of astronomical data and compromise ongoing research efforts.
Dr. Fabio Falchi emphasized the essential requirements for optimal ground-based astronomy: clear nights, minimal atmospheric interference, and dark skies. Major telescopes currently in operation, such as the Very Large Telescope (VLT) at Paranal and the upcoming Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) at Cerro Armazones, are pivotal in advancing our understanding of the universe.
Furthermore, Itziar de Gregorio, the director of the European Space Observatory in Chile, warned of the devastating impact of light pollution on future astronomical endeavors. Loss of the exceptional conditions found at Paranal would diminish Chile’s international standing in the field and threaten significant investments in astronomical infrastructure.
The public consultation for the Inna project is set to conclude on April 3. Despite the economic arguments in favor of the facility, astronomers, including Eduardo Unda-Sanzana, articulate a profound concern for the value of knowledge and research over short-term economic gain.
Moreover, Chile has pioneered legislation to combat light pollution, emphasizing the importance of preserving dark skies as a fundamental right. Dr. Falchi argued against placing industrial facilities so close to premier observational sites, calling for stringent measures to safeguard the night sky for future generations.
In conclusion, the proposal for the Inna project threatens the pristine stargazing conditions that have established Chile as a leader in astronomy. The potential for light pollution and atmospheric disturbances could severely impact critical scientific research. As stakeholders move forward, it is imperative to balance economic development with the preservation of valuable astronomical resources, ensuring that Chile retains its position as a pivotal site for celestial exploration.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
