Astronomy Astronomical observations in the Atacama Desert remain possible
The unique night sky of Chile's Atacama Desert will be preserved for astronomical observations. An energy company has announced that it has abandoned its controversial plan to build an industrial plant in the immediate vicinity of the Paranal Observatory.
31.01.2026, 05:32
SDA
"This private decision is good for Chile, for science and for all of humanity," said Chilean Science Minister Aldo Valle Acevedo.
The US energy company AES wanted to build a plant for the production of green hydrogen and green ammonia just a few kilometers away from the powerful telescopes. Researchers had warned of light pollution and vibrations that would have affected their work.
The company justified the decision with its business strategy - without making any reference to the observatory. "While the INNA project is fully compatible with other activities in the region, AES Andes has decided to focus its efforts on developing and building its renewable energy and energy storage portfolio," it said.
Minister: "Responsibility towards future generations"
The remote Atacama Desert is considered particularly suitable for astronomy due to its conditions. The observatory on Cerro Paranal has been operated by the European Southern Observatory (ESO) since its inauguration in 1999. According to her, the first image of an exoplanet was taken there. The facility was also involved in confirming the accelerated expansion of the universe and researching the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way.
The Chilean Science Minister welcomed AES's decision. "Chile is a global astronomical power," said Valle. Protecting the skies is a responsibility to the international scientific community and future generations.
