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Light Pollution Threatens Astronomical Sites in Chile's Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert in Chile provides optimal conditions for astronomy due to its dry climate, high altitude, and low light pollution. Recent proposals for development projects near observatories have raised concerns about potential impacts on sky clarity. Efforts are underway to update regulations to protect these sites.
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The Atacama Desert in Chile is known for its clear night skies, offering views of stars, planets, and constellations visible to the naked eye. The region's dry climate, high altitude, and isolation from urban light pollution make it a key location for astronomical research.
It hosts major ground-based astronomical projects and attracts scientists from around the world. The president of the Chilean Astronomical Society stated that the Atacama Desert has more than 300 clear nights per year with no clouds or rain.
2025, an energy firm proposed a green power complex near the Paranal Observatory, managed by the European Southern Observatory (ESO). The site is also planned for the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), a $1.5 billion project scheduled for completion in 2030.
The proposal was canceled in January 2026 after appeals from astronomers, physicists, and Nobel laureates. The incident highlighted concerns about existing sky preservation laws being insufficient. Several environmental regulations are now under review, including one from Chile's science ministry aimed at protected astronomical zones.
The director of the Cielos de Chile Foundation said the organization is working to ensure new criteria prevent impacts on astronomical areas. The foundation was established in 2019 to protect Chile's night skies.
The Paranal Observatory is one of nearly 30 astronomical sites in northern Chile, many managed by international organizations. These facilities use advanced instruments and contribute to research on the universe's origins. ESO's representative in Chile noted that ESO's telescopes are among the most powerful astronomical facilities on the planet.
