Monday, March 31, 2025

Dimmed Horizons at Premier Astronomy Locations May Face Challenges

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A proposed green energy plant in Chile’s Atacama Desert may significantly threaten the astronomical integrity of Mount Paranal, home to the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (VLT). A recent study suggests that the construction of the INNA hydrogen production facility, spanning 7,400 acres, could increase night sky brightness by as much as 35%, jeopardizing crucial scientific observations. This rise in light pollution not only endangers the VLT’s research capabilities but also poses risks to other nearby observatories, including the Cherenkov Telescope Array and the upcoming Extremely Large Telescope. ESO experts argue that the project’s impact might be underestimated, and they are advocating for relocation to preserve the region’s exceptional observational conditions. The findings highlight a growing conflict between renewable energy initiatives and the preservation of vital astronomical research sites worldwide.

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