Industrial Megaproject Threatens Chile’s Pristine Skies, jeopardizing Global Astronomy
The pristine skies above Chile’s Atacama Desert, home to the European Southern Observatory’s (ESO) Paranal Observatory, are under threat.A proposed industrial megaproject by AES Andes, a subsidiary of the U.S.-based AES Corporation, could irreparably damage one of the world’s most critical hubs for astronomical research.
On December 24th, AES Andes submitted the project for environmental impact assessment.The industrial complex, planned to be located just 5 to 11 kilometers from the Paranal telescopes, would emit notable light pollution, disrupting astronomical observations. Relocating the project is the only viable solution to preserve one of Earth’s last truly pristine dark skies.
An Irreplaceable heritage for Humanity
Since its inauguration in 1999, the Paranal Observatory has been at the forefront of astronomical breakthroughs.It played a pivotal role in capturing the first image of an exoplanet and confirming the accelerated expansion of the Universe. The observatory’s telescopes were instrumental in the Nobel Prize-winning research on the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way in 2020.
The nearby Cerro Armazones is also home to the construction of ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), the world’s largest telescope of its kind. This revolutionary facility promises to transform our understanding of the Universe.
“The proximity of the AES Andes industrial megaproject to Paranal poses a critical risk to the most pristine night skies on the planet,” warned ESO director General Xavier Barcons. “Dust emissions during construction, increased atmospheric turbulence, and especially light pollution will irreparably impact the capabilities for astronomical observation, which have thus far attracted multi-billion-Euro investments by the governments of the ESO Member States.”
The Unprecedented impact of a Megaproject
The proposed industrial complex spans over 3,000 hectares—comparable in size to cities like Valparaíso, Chile, or Garching near Munich, Germany. It includes plans for a port, ammonia and hydrogen production plants, and thousands of electricity generation units.The Atacama desert is renowned for its atmospheric stability and lack of light pollution, making it a unique natural laboratory for astronomical research. These conditions are essential for addressing fundamental questions about the origin and evolution of the Universe and the search for life on other planets.
A Call to Protect the Chilean Skies
“Chile, and in particular Paranal, is a truly special place for astronomy—its dark skies are a natural heritage that transcends its borders and benefits all humanity,” said Itziar de Gregorio, ESO’s Representative in chile. “It is crucial to consider alternative locations for this megaproject that do not endanger one of the world’s most significant astronomical treasures.”
Relocating the project is the only effective way to prevent irreversible damage to Paranal’s unique skies. This measure would safeguard the future of astronomy and preserve one of the last truly pristine dark skies on Earth.
Key Facts at a Glance
| aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Project Proponent | AES Andes, a subsidiary of AES Corporation |
| Location | 5-11 km from Paranal Observatory, Atacama Desert, Chile |
| Size | Over 3,000 hectares (comparable to Valparaíso or Garching) |
| Components | Port, ammonia and hydrogen plants, electricity generation units |
| Impact | Light pollution, dust emissions, atmospheric turbulence |
| Astronomical Significance | Home to Paranal Observatory and the under-construction Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) |
The stakes are high. The relocation of this project is not just a matter of preserving a scientific asset but protecting a global heritage that benefits humanity as a whole.
For more facts, connect with ESO on social media or contact their media team directly.
