The Atacama Desert, known for its exceptionally clear and dark skies ideal for astronomical observation, faces potential disruption from a planned industrial-scale green hydrogen project by AES Andes. The 3,000-hectare facility, located near important observatories, poses risks through light pollution, dust during construction, and atmospheric disturbances from wind turbines, which could compromise scientific research. Despite criticism from Chile's environmental regulator, the project deadline has passed, leaving the astronomical community concerned about the future integrity of the region's unique conditions for observation and the historical significance of its pristine night skies.
"An ideal location for ground-based astronomy requires three things: a large number of clear nights, low atmospheric interference, and dark skies," said Dr Fabio Falchi.
"The astronomical community is unequivocal in its rejection of the proposal, saying that the size and scale of the project… will seriously affect readings."
"So complete is the darkness in this part of the world, that Indigenous peoples staring up at these skies saw past the stars to contemplate dark spots in between…"
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