The world's largest telescopes, including the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile, may be at risk from light pollution caused by a $10 billion hydrogen plant. This plant, located near the observatory, could increase the brightness of the night sky by 10%, which would seriously affect astronomical observations, Techspot reports.
The VLT, consisting of four 8.2-meter telescopes, is one of the most powerful instruments for space exploration. Its extraordinary sensitivity has made it possible to make significant discoveries, such as the first direct image of an exoplanet.
The INNA Renewables Park energy complex, developed by the American energy giant AES, will occupy more than 7,400 acres (~3,000 hectares) in the Chilean Atacama Desert. It will include solar and wind power plants, as well as hydrogen production facilities. According to experts, this project can create light pollution equal to that of a city of 20,000 inhabitants.
The light pollution caused by the new plant could significantly reduce the accuracy of VLT observations, which would negatively affect scientific research and discovery.
Astronomers are now working with local authorities to address this problem in order to reduce the impact of light pollution on observatories and ensure their effectiveness in exploring the Universe.