Will light pollution from the Inna project affect vital sky research?

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The Inna Project Poses a Significant Threat to Astronomical Research Through Light Pollution

The proposed Inna green energy project in Chile's Atacama desert is projected to substantially increase light pollution, jeopardising the scientific operations of the European Southern Observatory's (ESO) astronomical facilities. The ESO's technical assessment indicates that the project's light emissions would compromise observations at both the Very Large Telescope (VLT) and the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), threatening the integrity of vital sky research.
Increased Light Pollution Levels

The ESO's analysis projects a significant rise in light pollution levels at its key observatories. Specifically, the Very Large Telescope (VLT) is expected to experience an increase in light pollution of at least 35 percent. For the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), the projected increase is five percent. The ESO considers this five percent rise incompatible with the stringent conditions necessary for world-class astronomical observations, suggesting a direct negative impact on the facility's research capabilities.
Impact on the Extremely Large Telescope

The potential increase in light pollution to the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) is deemed particularly critical by the ESO. This facility, scheduled to commence scientific observations in 2029 with a substantial budget of €1.45 billion, relies on exceptionally dark skies for its advanced astronomical studies. A five percent increase in light pollution, according to the ESO, would directly hinder its ability to conduct world-class observations, thereby undermining its significant investment and scientific potential.
Broader Environmental Concerns

Beyond light pollution, the ESO has also raised concerns about other environmental impacts from the Inna project. These include potential disruptions from increased atmospheric turbulence, ground vibrations, and dust contamination. Such factors, in addition to light pollution, could collectively degrade the observational conditions at the Paranal Observatory, impacting the quality and reliability of data gathered by the telescopes.
Project Scale and Counterarguments

The Inna project, envisioned as a 3,000-hectare green energy initiative, aims to generate solar and wind power, as well as green hydrogen. AES Andes, the developer, has stated that the project will adhere to the highest lighting norms, including specific Chilean regulations designed to protect astronomical sites from skyglow. Furthermore, AES Andes contends that the project's distance from the telescopes is greater than what the ESO has indicated, suggesting a potential discrepancy in the impact assessment.

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Will light pollution from the Inna project affect vital sky research?

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