The Jeopardy of Inna: A Potential Nightmare for Astronomers in Chile's Atacama Desert
worried astronomers over excessive light pollution from Chilean telescopes - Chilean Telescope Concerns Emerge Among Astronomers
Get ready for some bad news, sky-gazers! An upcoming industrial powerhouse named Inna, planned by AES Andes in the Atacama Desert of Chile, could be a nightmare for astronomers using those impressive telescopes. This mega-industrial project threatens to increase light pollution around the Paranal Observatory by a staggering 35% for the Very Large Telescope and a disastrous more than 50% for the southern site of the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory, as reported by the European Southern Observatory (ESO) following a thorough technical analysis [1][2][3].
Why should astronomers—and all lovers of the cosmos—worry? Because a "brighter sky" (literally) significantly handicaps our ability to directly detect Earth-like exoplanets, observe distant galaxies, and even monitor potentially dangerous asteroids hurtling towards our humble abode [4]. Quite ironic, isn't it? We built the largest and strongest telescopes for spectacular discoveries in the best spot on Earth, only to have them blinded by the very industry we're trying to keep green.
ESO's representative in Chile, Itziar de Gregorio-Monsalvo, spoke out against the project, stating: "light pollution robs us of our shared view of the universe, and not only hinders research but also infringes upon our collective awe of the cosmos."
ESO advocates for distance
The Inna project aims to generate green hydrogen and ammonia. To maintain our enjoyment of a clean, clear night sky and the valuable scientific insights it brings, the ESO proposes a simple solution: keep the facility far, far away from our precious observatories [4].
"We recognize the significance of green energy and its role in our collective future. However, Chile should not have to sacrifice world-class astronomical observatories in the quest for a greener planet," remarked ESO Director General, Xavier Barcons [4]. "By appropriately locating facilities and working collaboratively, we can achieve both aspirations and witness the unparalleled mysteries of the universe unobstructed."
- Telescope
- Atacama Desert
- Chile
- ESO
- Industrial facility
- European Southern Observatory
Sources:[1] Chilean astronomers call for distance between Inna project and telescopes[2] ESO Statement on Environmental Impact Assessment of Project IP-3.09[3] Atacama Desert Moon Zoo[4] ESO and the Dark Skies Defense
Enrichment:
- Light Pollution: The Inna project could significantly disrupt astronomical research, causing increases of at least 35% in light pollution around the Very Large Telescope and over 50% for the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory's southern site. This pollution would hinder the detection of faint celestial objects, such as Earth-like exoplanets and distant galaxies.
- Atmospheric Conditions: The project may also alter the air conditions, producing turbulence and ground vibrations, which could degrade seeing conditions and affect the function of sensitive telescopes like the Extremely Large Telescope.
- Dust Contamination: The construction process could result in dust accumulating on telescope mirrors, further hindering astronomical observations.
- Coexistence Alternatives: To mitigate the impact on astronomical research and establish a harmonious coexistence between green energy projects and the astronomy community, several potential solutions have been proposed, such as relocating the facility, adopting adaptive lighting solutions, forming joint collaborations for innovative strategies, and implementing stricter regulations for projects close to sensitive areas.
- Despite AES Andes' planned industrial project, Inna, generating green hydrogen and ammonia, the European Southern Observatory (ESO) advocates for its distance from observatories in the Atacama Desert of Chile to prevent an estimated 35% increase in light pollution for the Very Large Telescope and over 50% for the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory's southern site.
- If placed too close to observatories, Inna's light pollution might harm scientific discoveries, potentially obstructing the detection of Earth-like exoplanets, observing distant galaxies, and monitoring hazardous asteroids.
- ESO Director General, Xavier Barcons, supports locating facilities away from precious observatories to achieve both the green energy revolution and unhindered exploration of the universe's mysteries.
