World's Largest Telescope Faces Threat from Renewable Energy Project in Chile
Astronomers are raising alarms about a looming threat to one of the most pristine stargazing locations on Earth. Mount Paranal in Chile, home to the European Southern Observatory’s (ESO) Very Large Telescope (VLT), faces potential light pollution from the proposed INNA renewable hydrogen project. This $10 billion industrial park, spearheaded by AES Energy, could drastically alter the unparalleled conditions that make Mount Paranal an astronomical haven.
Specifications of the VLT and ELT
Very Large Telescope (VLT):
- Location: Mount Paranal, Atacama Desert, Chile.
- Structure: Four 8.2-meter (27-foot) telescopes working in unison.
- Cost: $350 million (1990s value), equivalent to $840 million today.
- Notable Achievements:
- Traced orbits of stars near the Milky Way’s central black hole.
- Captured the first image of an exoplanet.
- Mapped the cosmic web across the universe.
Extremely Large Telescope (ELT):
- Location: Neighboring Mount Armazones.
- Mirror Size: 39.3 meters (130 feet) wide, the largest in the world.
- Cost: Over $1.5 billion.
- Expected Completion: End of this decade.
- Purpose:
- Explore the deepest regions of the universe.
- Analyze atmospheres of potentially habitable exoplanets.
The Threat of Light Pollution
The INNA project spans 3,021 hectares, featuring three solar farms, three wind farms, a battery storage system, and hydrogen production facilities. If constructed, it could emit as much light pollution as a city of 20,000 people, increasing the sky’s brightness by up to 10%. This would severely compromise the ability of VLT and ELT to detect faint celestial objects.
Astronomers estimate that the light pollution might hinder:
- Observation of 30% of the faintest galaxies.
- Detailed study of exoplanet atmospheres, which is vital for identifying potentially habitable worlds.
Why Mount Paranal is Unique
Mount Paranal, situated at an elevation of 8,740 feet (2,664 meters) in the Atacama Desert, boasts some of the darkest and clearest skies on Earth. Its remote location and minimal artificial light make it ideal for advanced astronomical research.
A 2023 survey ranked Paranal as the least light-polluted site among the world’s top 28 observatories. This exceptional environment influenced ESO’s decision to establish its facilities in Chile over six decades ago.
Balancing Renewable Energy and Astronomy
While ESO supports green energy initiatives, it argues that the INNA project can be relocated to prevent irreversible damage to the observatories. Moving the project 31 miles (50 kilometers) away could eliminate the threat to astronomical research without significantly impacting its objectives.
ESO’s Call for Action
ESO is urging the Chilean government to strengthen regulations protecting the night sky. Although Chile implemented light emission controls in 2023, stricter measures are needed to safeguard sites like Mount Paranal.
Conclusion
The INNA project highlights the growing tension between renewable energy expansion and the preservation of scientific sanctuaries. While green hydrogen production is crucial for sustainable development, Mount Paranal’s irreplaceable role in advancing our understanding of the universe must not be compromised. Finding a balance is essential to ensure both environmental progress and astronomical discovery.
