Scientific commission seeks to protect astronomical observation areas from light pollution

During a visit to the Universidad Católica Teaching Observatory at Hacienda Santa Martina, Science Minister Andrés Couve and Environment Minister Carolina Schmidt presented the Advisory Commission on Areas of Scientific Interest for Astronomical Observation, which seeks to protect Chile’s geographic areas that have value for the observation of the skies from the impact of light pollution.

“Our skies are a unique natural laboratory for the observation of the universe. Northern Chile has one of the cleanest skies in the world, with nearly 90% clear nights throughout the year and low humidity. Thanks to these attributes, the world’s largest observatories have been built and continue to be built in Chile, which has become a natural laboratory of global interest. In order to protect this heritage, we created this council of renowned representatives of Chile’s astronomy community, who will be responsible for assessing and proposing the locations whose extraordinary conditions represent unmatched potential for the development of world-class astronomy in our country,” stated Minister Andrés Couve.

For her part, Minister Carolina Schmidt highlighted the collaboration between the Science and Environment Ministries with the participation of the National Research and Development Agency (ANID) in regard to establishing special protection for areas that are declared to be of scientific value for astronomy. “The review of rules regarding light, with a view to improving the standard for protecting the sky, includes broadening it to include all of Chile. Currently, only three regions are covered. Furthermore, it adds elements that had not been considered, such as protection of biodiversity, which comes in addition to an increase in the protection of the skies for observation in the astronomy areas that the advisory council that we have presented today will propose. This is very important if we consider the fact that our country will be home to 70% of the world’s astronomical capacity by 2025,” he said. 

The group of six specialists identified with the help of the Chilean Astronomical Society includes María Teresa Ruiz, Eduardo Unda-Sanzana, Amelia Ramírez, Manuela Zoccali, Rodrigo Reeves and Ricardo Bustos. They will work with astrophysicist and Regional Science Ministerial Secretary, Paulina Assman, as well as ANID Astronomy Program Director, Luis Chavarría.

This commission will submit a list of suggested geographic areas and criteria for their protection to the Science Ministry by the end of the year. Its findings will be based on criteria such as observation infrastructure, atmospheric and geographic conditions, scientific production and benefits for, and impact on, the national scientific community and scientific education. Once the areas are identified, neighboring projects that are to be submitted to the Environmental Impact Assessment System (SEIA) must be submitted through an Environmental Impact Study (EIA).

Advisory Council on Areas of Scientific Interest for Astronomical Observation

-Eduardo Unda-Sanzana, Universidad de Antofagasta, Representative of the Chilean Astronomical Society (SOCHIAS)

-María Teresa Ruiz, Universidad de Chile, Astronomer and National Science Prize Recipient

-Amelia Ramírez, Universidad de La Serena

-Manuela Zoccali, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

-Rodrigo Reeves, Universidad de Concepción

- Ricardo Bustos, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción