A proposed green hydrogen plant in Chile could substantially increase light pollution and atmospheric turbulence, posing a severe threat to nearby observatories, including the Very Large Telescope (VLT). According to a report by the European Southern Observatory (ESO), light pollution could rise by over 35%, severely disrupting astronomical operations. The developer, AES Andes, contests these findings, asserting adherence to high standards and minimal impact. The project, set in the Atacama Desert, aims to utilize optimal conditions but faces criticism over its potential adverse effects on scientific endeavors.
Astronomer Itziar de Gregorio-Monsalvo warned that the proposed green hydrogen plant could cause 'devastating, irreversible' damage to telescope operations, with light pollution increasing by at least 35%.
AES Andes claims their project adheres to the 'best technologies and the strictest standards', arguing their analysis does not support ESO's findings on the project's impact on observatories.
Collection
[
|
...
]