German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Reinhard Genzel visited the Paranal Observatory in Chile, where an industrial plant is planned nearby. The plant threatens the observatory’s unique observational conditions. Both leaders emphasized the need to protect this vital research site, which plays a significant role in the exploration of distant planets and supermassive black holes.
In a significant visit, German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Reinhard Genzel, who is the Nobel Prize-winning Director of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, toured the Paranal Observatory in Chile. Their inspection comes in response to a proposed industrial plant nearby that threatens the integrity of these astronomical observatories. The Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), under construction, aims to be the largest optical and infrared telescope globally, facilitating research on atmospheres of Earth-like planets and the search for extraterrestrial life.
The Max Planck Institute has a longstanding history at the Paranal Observatory, having developed the Gravity instrument that links the ESO’s Very Large Telescopes (VLT) to form an extensive virtual telescope. This advancement allowed for landmark discoveries, such as observing the supermassive black hole at the Milky Way’s core, which won Genzel the Nobel Prize in 2020. Presently, an upgraded system called Gravity+ is being integrated into the VLT, poised to enhance astronomical observation capabilities through improved adaptive optics and expanded fields of view.
However, the very future of the Paranal Observatory is in jeopardy due to plans by AES Corporation to establish a large-scale industrial facility nearby, covering over 3,000 hectares. This new development, which includes a port and facilities for ammonia and hydrogen production, would severely impact the pristine observational conditions offered by the Atacama Desert. The high altitude and minimal light pollution have long made this region ideal for groundbreaking astronomical research. Therefore, research institutions are advocating for the relocation of this industrial project to protect the observatory’s work.
Reinhard Genzel expressed hope for a solution, suggesting that a slight shift in the industrial site’s location could mitigate the problems posed by light and air pollution. He stressed that this is not merely a conflict of scientific interests against industrial development; rather, it is about maintaining critical observational capabilities for the future. Steinmeier’s visit included an element of political advocacy, as he seeks German government support in ensuring that the observatory’s vital research activities can continue unhindered.
The visit also allowed for the exchange of knowledge and collaboration; Genzel recently lectured at the University of Chile where he highlighted advancements in supermassive black hole research. He was honored with the Rector’s Medal for his contributions to science and the strengthening of ties with Chile’s astronomical community.
The visit by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Reinhard Genzel underscores the critical juncture at which the Paranal Observatory stands due to proposed industrial developments. While the Extremely Large Telescope promises profound scientific advancements, safeguarding the region’s integrity against pollution is imperative. Collaborative efforts between Chile and Germany may pave the way for a protective resolution that ensures the continuation of paramount astronomical research.
Original Source: www.mpg.de
