This vision shows the structures that host many of the large telescopes of the Paranal Observatory in Chile. Their function is threatened by a proposed construction project. Credit: Rivi/Wikimedia Commons
A new study by the European Southern Observatory (ESO) contradicts the company statements according to which a proposed hydrogen system would not damage observers in Chile.
At the beginning of this year, Eso warned the community of astronomy according to which its Paranal-Con structures some of the darkest skies of the world-in-sensed were threatened by the plans to build a megaprogen of energy processing of 7,400 acres (3,000 hectares). The proposal of companies for the energy services applied (AES) is being reviewed by the Chilean government.
The so -called Inna hydrogen production plant is located just kilometers from the Paranal astronomy complex, which houses observers and advanced tools.
Related: The green hydrogen project threatens the uncontaminated paranal skies in Chile
Devastating and irreversible
According to ESO, the analysis of AES’s environmental impact is imperfect. Eso tried to work with adverse events to mitigate impacts but was rejected, according to the representatives of the ESO.
In a recent press release, Eso defines his “alarming” study, indicating the results that indicate that “Inna would increase light pollution above the very large telescope (VLT) by at least 35 percent and more than 50 percent above the southern site of the Chenkov Telescope Array. Astronomical structures, such as the extremely large telescope (ELT), at the Paranal Observatory.
The ELT is currently under construction in the nearby Armizones Cerro.
Eso declared in the press release that if the Inna were built, “the impact would be devastating and irreversible”.
“With a brighter sky, we seriously limit our ability to directly detect exoplanets similar to the earth, observe weak galaxies and even monitor the asteroids that could cause damage to our planet,” said Itziar de Gregorio-Monnsalvo, representative of Eso in Chile. “We build the largest and most powerful telescopes, in the best place on earth for astronomy, to allow the astronomy, to allow Astronomes from all over the world to see what no one has ever seen before.
More than light pollution
For the study, Eso used public information on the plans of the AES project and assumed that the company would use the less invasive lighting available today. “However, we are concerned that the inventory of the light sources planned by the AES is not complete and suitable for the purpose. In this case, our already alarming results would underestimate the potential impact of the Inna project on the brightness of the paranal sky,” said the director of the ESO operations Andreas Kaufer.
In addition, the observers normally lead significant research even with high and thin clouds present. But the artificial light of Inna would make this impossible, since the clouds promptly reflect the lighting of the soil.
Another impact would be for the constant skies of the paranal, which would be degraded by the “40 percent” due to the planned wind turbines of Inna, says the release.
The construction will also shake the ground, disturbing delicate equipment and lifting dust that will interfere with the research.
“The only way to save the uncontaminated skies of the apenal and protect astronomy for future generations is to transfer the Inna complex,” said De Gregorio-Monsalvo, speaking on behalf of the Consortium of 16 Nations of ESO.
The INNA project is proposed as part of Chile’s thrust to decarbonize its economy. It is currently being reviewed by the government there.
ESO has made available more information here: executive summary of the relationship.
