On December 24th, AES Andes, a subsidiary of the leading US power company AES Corporation, triggered outrage by submitting a proposal for a colossal industrial complex that could spell disaster for the unparalleled skies over the European Southern Observatory's (ESO) Paranal Observatory in Chile's Atacama Desert. Renowned for being the darkest and clearest astronomical observatory globally, this site is now facing an unprecedented threat.

A Dark Future for Stargazing

Planned to be constructed a mere 5 to 11 kilometers from the iconic telescopes at Paranal, this industrial megaproject poses a dire risk of light pollution that could irreparably alter the quality of astronomical observations. Experts warn that relocating the facility is the only viable option to preserve Earth's dwindling pristine dark skies, which are essential for scientific exploration and discovery.

A Legacy of Enlightenment

Since its inauguration in 1999, Paranal Observatory has been pivotal in astronomical advancements, from capturing the first image of an exoplanet to confirming the accelerated expansion of the universe. The 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics celebrated groundbreaking research on the supermassive black hole at the Milky Way’s core, a feat made possible by observations taken at Paranal.

Moreover, Chile's astronomical community has flourished in the past decades, with many significant projects and collaborations, including the ongoing construction of ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope (ELT)—the largest telescope in existence with the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos.

Voices of Concern

Xavier Barcons, the ESO Director General, expressed serious concerns, stating, "The proximity of the AES Andes industrial megaproject to Paranal poses a critical risk to the most pristine night skies on the planet. Dust emissions during construction, increased atmospheric turbulence, and especially light pollution could irreparably impact our astronomical capabilities."

Unimaginable Scale of Impact

This immense project spans over 3,000 hectares—equivalent to the size of a major city, such as Valparaíso or the Garching district near Munich. It aims to construct a port along with ammonia and hydrogen production facilities and thousands of electricity generation units directly adjacent to Paranal.

The Atacama Desert is exceptionally suited for astronomical research due to its atmospheric stability and minimal light interference, making it a unique natural laboratory. These qualities are vital for addressing fundamental scientific questions about the universe's origins and the potential for extraterrestrial life.

A Call to Action

As Itziar de Gregorio, ESO's Representative in Chile, eloquently stated, "Chile, and especially Paranal, is a truly special place for astronomy—its dark skies are a natural heritage that benefits all humanity." There is an urgent need to consider alternative locations for this megaproject to avert jeopardizing this astronomical treasure.

Preserve the Skies, Preserving Our Future

Relocating this project is imperative not only to safeguard the future of astronomical research but also to protect one of the last truly pristine dark skies on Earth. If action is not taken, we could witness a tragic loss of our ability to explore the universe as well as the beauty of our natural night skies. The time to act is NOW! Will we let industry dim the brightest lights in our sky?