Proposed Industrial Project Threatens Key Astronomy Site in Chile

The European Southern Observatory warns that a planned green hydrogen complex near its Paranal Observatory could irreparably harm one of the world's clearest night skies.

The proposed AES Andes industrial project, located 3 to 11 kilometers from Paranal Observatory, includes hydrogen and ammonia plants, a port, and thousands of generators.
Astronomers fear the project will cause light pollution, dust emissions, and atmospheric turbulence, jeopardizing multi-billion-Euro investments in astronomical research.
Paranal Observatory, in Chile's Atacama Desert, is renowned for its pristine skies and has contributed to groundbreaking discoveries, including the first image of an exoplanet and studies of black holes.
The Atacama region hosts several major observatories, including the upcoming Extremely Large Telescope, which is expected to revolutionize the study of distant galaxies and exoplanets.
The European Southern Observatory has called for the project to be relocated, emphasizing the global importance of preserving the Atacama's unique conditions for astronomy.