At the Las Campanas Observatory of the Carnegie Science Institution, we share the national and international astronomical community's concern about the development of the INNA Project. The project contemplates the construction of a center for the production of liquid green hydrogen and green ammonia in Taltal, in the Antofagasta Region, a few kilometers from the observatories of Cerro Paranal, Cerro Armazones, and the Cherenkov Telescope Array.
This project has generated significant concern because of its potential effect on the quality of the skies, which is essential for astronomical research, especially in unique sites such as those hosting the leading international observatories in Chile.
We believe that protecting these sites, including our observatory in the Atacama Region, is fundamental to guaranteeing the future of scientific operations and Chile's leadership in world astronomy, which has consolidated its position as the global epicenter for the exploration of the universe.
Currently, Chile has a light standard that regulates individual light sources, but there is no comprehensive environmental regulation that limits the maximum artificial sky brightness in the areas where observatories operate. There are also no clear methodologies or standards for evaluating the light impact of projects that could increase light pollution and affect the quality of the skies in these strategically important sites.
In this context, we reiterate our willingness to actively collaborate with the national scientific community and the State of Chile to advance in developing regulations that protect the dark skies and ensure the necessary conditions for astronomical research. We believe that dialogue and joint work are essential to finding solutions that allow us to harmonize development and growth by preserving our natural and scientific resources.
We are confident that, through a collaborative effort, we can continue to contribute to advancing science and positioning Chile as a global reference in astronomy. The night sky is a world heritage that Chile must protect.