Archive · 3 Dec 2025
Astronomers Warn of Threat to Chile's Dark Skies
Chile's Atacama Desert is one of the best places in the world for astronomers to study the universe because it's very dark and far from city lights.
But a company wants to build a big renewable energy project nearby, which could make the sky brighter and mess up the view for telescopes.
Scientists are worried this will make it harder to study stars and the universe.
The company says their project won't cause problems, but the scientists think it will.
This is a big deal because if the view is ruined for these telescopes, it will affect scientists all over the world.
Chile's Atacama Desert is a prime location for astronomical observations due to its darkness and isolation.
AES Andes proposes a renewable energy complex near the Paranal Observatory, which could increase light pollution by 35%.
30 renowned astronomers, including a Nobel laureate, warn that the project threatens global astronomical research.
The project includes wind and solar farms, a desalination plant, and a new port, which could also cause dust, vibrations, and atmospheric turbulence.
AES Corp. claims the project is compatible with astronomical observations and complies with light pollution regulations.
- Who
- Renowned astronomers, including Nobel laureate Reinhard Genzel, and AES Andes (AES Corp.)
- What
- A proposed industrial project threatening the dark skies of the Atacama Desert
- When
- The project is currently under environmental review
- Where
- Atacama Desert, Chile, near the Paranal Observatory
- Why
- The project could increase light pollution, dust, ground vibrations, and atmospheric turbulence, affecting astronomical observations
- Location
- Atacama Desert, Chile
- Affected Observatory
- Paranal Observatory (ESO)
- Project Proponent
- AES Andes (AES Corp.)
- Project Components
- Wind and solar farms, desalination plant, new port
- Distance from Observatory
- 3 kilometers (1.9 miles)
- Estimated Light Pollution Increase
- 35%
- Project Area
- 3,000 hectares (7,400 acres)