Category Archives: News

New astronomical areas: Steps for global leadership

By Daniela González E. Executive Director Fundación Cielos de Chile The decree that establishes the new areas with scientific and research value for astronomical observation is a milestone not only for the astronomical community, but also paves the way for Chile to consolidate itself as the eyes of the world towards the universe. Among the…

The protection of the dark skies

On June 27, 2023, the decree that identifies areas with scientific and research value for astronomical observation was published in Chile’s official newspaper. In addition, the country’s new illumination standard, which extends protection from three regions to the entire territory, is expected to be published soon. The above, together, seek to reduce light pollution both…

How did galaxies transform the early universe?

In the early universe, the gas between stars and galaxies was opaque – energetic starlight could not penetrate it. But 1 billion years after the big bang, the gas had become completely transparent. Why? New data from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has pinpointed the reason: The galaxies’ stars emitted enough light to heat and…

LCO carries out activities with students in Rapa Nui

In the past, the inhabitants of Oceania faced the sea with confidence because they learned to know and interpret it. They did this by developing a navigation system based mainly on the stars, which marked the position of the islands on the horizon, in addition to other calculations related to ocean currents and wind direction.…

LCO celebrates Astronomy Day in Chile

Since 2014, when autumn begins in the southern hemisphere, Astronomy Day is celebrated in Chile to celebrate the equinox. The event is promoted by the Planetarium Foundation of the University of Santiago de Chile, the Chilean Astronomy Society (SOCHIAS) and the Public Science Program of the Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation. This year…

LCO is working to determine and reduce its carbon footprint

The carbon footprint of astronomical research facilities has become a critical issue in recent years. Its measurement, in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent, CO2e, serves to understand the behavior of these organizations and their individuals and, in this way, efficiently manage resources. The carbon footprint of astronomical operations, in general, is dominated by the gases…