56 replies to this topic

[RLK1]

Latest update, 3-17-25:

 

"ESO raised the alarm about INNA in January and has now carried out a detailed analysis of the possible impacts. Using advanced light pollution models and publicly available information about the INNA project, ESO and outside researchers predict the VLT would see a 35% increase in light pollution and the CTAO-South at least 50%. The site for the ELT, which would only see a 5% increase, would still be deemed unsuitable for world-class astronomical observations." 

 

"The analysis also predicts air turbulence from the project’s wind turbines would lead to a 40% worsening of seeing conditions. Still air above observatories is essential to prevent stars from “twinkling,” which is anathema to astronomers. In addition, INNA’s turbines would produce enough microseismic noise to affect both the ELT’s sensitive operations and the VLT’s interferometer, which combines light from four telescopes to produce the most detailed images."

 

"ESO says moving the INNA project just 50 kilometers away would minimize the harm. A January press release from the firm behind INNA, a subsidiary of the U.S. energy company AES Corporation, did not mention a start date for the project. ESO’s analysis will be submitted this month to Chilean authorities as part of a public consultation on the INNA project."

 

https://www.science....alysis-confirms

[RichA]

That's terrible news.  The project will encompass 7413 acres, include a port, "thousands of electric generators", hydrogen and ammonia production plants AND it's only 3 to 7 miles from the observatory!

 

The Chilean authorities will have to decide whether to protect the country's position as the best place on earth to do astronomical observations, or create another industrial complex.  I know which way I would vote!

Chile hosted the scopes and benefited from the scopes.  They have a large country with lots of available land.  Why they have to build it there is a question.  I remember them building some kind of high-heat facility in California?  It consisted of many large mirrors directing their light to a central receptor that converted the heat to power.   It's probably a rotting hulk taking up land in the desert now.

[Matthew Ota]

In the future telescopes will be set up on the farside of the Moon.

Edited by Matthew Ota, 23 March 2025 - 01:25 PM.

[csrlice12]

So solar eclipses would be kinda blah....

[RLK1]

Latest update regarding ongoing efforts to protect the observatories: A group of Chilean senators has called upon the president of Chile to prioritize dark skies around the observatories. 

[torex]

Most people dont care about light pollution and dark skies, only money. Nothing new, or shocking and should be expected to be honest sooner or later.

[RLK1]

Latest update, 3-17-25:

 

"ESO raised the alarm about INNA in January and has now carried out a detailed analysis of the possible impacts. Using advanced light pollution models and publicly available information about the INNA project, ESO and outside researchers predict the VLT would see a 35% increase in light pollution and the CTAO-South at least 50%. The site for the ELT, which would only see a 5% increase, would still be deemed unsuitable for world-class astronomical observations." 

 

"The analysis also predicts air turbulence from the project’s wind turbines would lead to a 40% worsening of seeing conditions. Still air above observatories is essential to prevent stars from “twinkling,” which is anathema to astronomers. In addition, INNA’s turbines would produce enough microseismic noise to affect both the ELT’s sensitive operations and the VLT’s interferometer, which combines light from four telescopes to produce the most detailed images."

 

"ESO says moving the INNA project just 50 kilometers away would minimize the harm. A January press release from the firm behind INNA, a subsidiary of the U.S. energy company AES Corporation, did not mention a start date for the project. ESO’s analysis will be submitted this month to Chilean authorities as part of a public consultation on the INNA project."

 

https://www.science....alysis-confirms

Update:   "Chilean authorities will look at the full technical report in late April 2025."

 

https://earthsky.org...strial-complex/