The cancellation of the INNA project marked a turning point in the public discussion about how to promote energy and industrial development that is compatible with the protection of dark skies and the strategic value of astronomy in Chile. The scientific community has emphasized that there is no opposition to clean energy, but rather to its location in areas incompatible with astronomical observation.

What the INNA project was and why it threatened Chile

The initial plans for the INNA megacomplex contemplated the development of more than 3,000 hectares near the Paranal observatory, just 5 kilometers from the construction site of the future Cherenkov Telescope Array South (CTAO-South), 11 kilometers from the Very Large Telescope (VLT), and 20 kilometers from the site where the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) is being built—key facilities for world astronomy.

According to a study by the European Southern Observatory (ESO), the megaproject would have increased light pollution by 5% in the ELT skies, by 35% over the VLT, and by more than 50% at CTAO-South. Added to these effects were other critical impacts, such as increased atmospheric turbulence, which could have deteriorated the site’s astronomical visibility conditions by up to 40%.

Under such a scenario, Fundación Cielos de Chile and various astronomical, scientific, and environmental organizations deployed intense joint communication work to explain what was at stake, why light pollution is a critical problem, and how initiatives like INNA represent a risk not only to science but also to ecosystems and people’s health.

Timeline of the INNA project in Chile (December 2024 – January 2026)

December 2024: Entry into environmental assessment

On December 20, 2024, the INNA project, promoted by AES Andes, was submitted to the Regional Directorate of the Environmental Assessment Service of the Antofagasta Region. From the outset, its location opened a public debate due to its proximity to some of the world’s main astronomical observatories. In this context, voices from the scientific community early raised in the media the need to carefully evaluate the possible effects of the project on a scientific heritage of global relevance for world astronomy.

January 2025: Scientific alert and citizen mobilization

ESO, the Chilean Astronomical Society (SOCHIAS), and distinguished national prize winners began to publicly alert about the significant impacts that INNA would produce on the unique conditions of northern Chile. Added to this were the opinions of astronomers such as María Teresa Ruiz and Teresa Paneque, who spread awareness about light pollution threats to the northern skies on their social networks. Thanks to their significant follower base, this action helped massively amplify the message of concern.

In parallel, Fundación Cielos de Chile assumed an active role in this process. Through social networks and outreach actions, the organization invited citizens to participate in the citizen participation process contemplated by Chilean environmental regulations. Through guides and materials, the foundation explained to citizens how to make pertinent and valid observations, promoting informed and effective participation.

Along with this, the president of Fundación Cielos de Chile, Guillermo Blanc, sent a letter to El Mercurio where he addressed international standards on light pollution limits and explained why INNA put at risk the cutting-edge research carried out at the observatories.

February 2025: Call for early rejection

Fundación Cielos de Chile and the scientific community made a call to the Environmental Assessment Service to apply early rejection to the project. “It is evident that the project needs serious and profound reformulation—including its relocation—and that provides the necessary guarantees of not generating environmental impact. It would be desirable for State institutions to take early action to prevent perpetuating for years a project that proves not to be viable. Giving that signal of clarity at this stage is a way to reduce uncertainty for all actors involved,” declared Daniela González, executive director of Fundación Cielos de Chile, at this stage.

March 2025: ESO publishes technical report

ESO publishes a technical report that, through transparent and replicable methodologies, demonstrates the irreversible effects of INNA if the project were built.

April 2025: 3,000 scientists sign international letter

Concern about the INNA project escalates internationally, and in April 2025, more than 3,000 scientists from around the world sign a letter addressed to President Gabriel Boric requesting the relocation of the project to a distance that would not endanger the darkest skies on Earth.

May 2025: Record citizen participation

The citizen participation process closes, reaching more than 700 observations, making it one of the most massive in the history of the Chilean environmental assessment system and evidencing transversal concern for the defense of dark skies.

Late May 2025: Dark Sky Council creation

Thanks to the exceptional quality of its skies, Chile concentrates about 40% of the world’s astronomical observation capacity, and by 2030 it is expected to exceed 60%. To preserve the country’s leadership and protect it from threats, in May 2025, the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT), ESO, and Las Campanas Observatory signed an agreement to create the Dark Sky Council.

This body has as its central objective to define, coordinate, and monitor a common strategy for the protection of dark skies. Among its functions is articulated work with the Office for the Protection of the Sky Quality of Northern Chile (OPCC) and Fundación Cielos de Chile, as well as the management of resources aimed at implementing concrete actions in the territory. “The quality and darkness of the night sky are fundamental for the scientific operations of our observatories. The preservation of the dark skies of northern Chile is a priority for the signatory institutions, as the continuity of their present and future activities depends on it,” states the signed agreement.

September 2025: Regulatory gaps exposed

AES Andes requested an extension to respond to citizen observations received for the INNA project.

That same month, a report by Fundación Cielos de Chile revealed that 118 industrial projects planned in areas protected for astronomy had not submitted Environmental Impact Assessments for their light dimension, evidencing regulatory gaps and reinforcing the urgency of updating dark sky protection standards.

“This report shows us that the incorporation of the light variable in environmental assessment is in the process of consolidation, but greater precision is still required to safeguard the night skies of this key area,” stated Daniela González, executive director of the Foundation, to Biobío Chile.

December 2025: The night sky enters the political agenda

In December 2025, the protection of dark skies explicitly entered the national political agenda. During the last second-round presidential debate, the issue was directly mentioned, consolidating itself as a matter of public interest on a national scale. In response to mention of the possibility that the project’s impacts could be mitigated, Fundación Cielos de Chile publicly reinforced that the INNA project is not mitigable.

That same month, the international community spoke out again regarding the project. Distinguished astronomers from different parts of the world, led by Reinhard Genzel, astronomer at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (Germany) and winner of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics, signed a letter addressed to the Government of Chile requesting the protection of the dark skies of the Atacama Desert and the relocation of the INNA project.

“We are convinced that economic development and scientific progress can and must coexist for the benefit of all the people of Chile, but not at the irreversible cost of one of Earth’s unique and irreplaceable windows to the universe. We respectfully urge the Government of Chile to request the relocation of the INNA project and to protect Paranal’s delicate environment with appropriate and updated laws,” stated the letter, which you can read here (in spanish).

January 2026: The project comes to an end

On January 23, 2026, AES Andes announced that it would not continue with the INNA project, a decision that was formalized on February 6 with the official communication of withdrawal to the Environmental Assessment Service. With this, the project was definitively closed, marking a turning point in the relationship between energy development, public communication, and protection of Chile’s dark skies.

Key elements of the campaign

The devastating impact that INNA would have had on the world’s best skies motivated various actors to join this campaign, which had a strong communication component. The different actions achieved wide coverage in Chilean and world media, which allowed carrying the positions of the scientific community to decision-makers.

Social media activation, for its part, contributed to alerting citizens about the effects of this project. The establishment of clear calls to action, such as the invitation to send observations during the citizen participation process, motivated people to get directly involved.

The dissemination of guides for making observations facilitated more people being able to be part of the citizen consultation stage, overcoming the entry barriers that these processes have, which translated into a record participation.

For their part, messages based on scientific evidence and emphasizing the unique characteristics of Chile’s skies for world research resonated with audiences, who identified with them and amplified them through interactions on social networks.

The constant collaborative work between diverse organizations together with citizen support allowed the call to relocate the INNA project to remain in public discussion and strengthen over time. “This campaign showed us that when we unite, it is possible to achieve our objectives. We hope to maintain this unity to continue working for the protection of our dark skies,” highlighted Daniela González, executive director of Fundación Cielos de Chile.

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A quarter-century since its creation, the Chilean Astronomical Society (SOCHIAS) has elected its new executive board. For the first time, it will be composed exclusively of women: Chiara Mazzucchelli (UDP) as president; Andrea Mejías (UCH), first vice president; Julie Nantais (UNAB), second vice president; Daniela Olave (UTALCA), executive director; Mayte Alfaro (UCENTRAL), secretary; and Yasna Órdenes (UDP), treasurer.

25 Years Since Its Foundation: The Role of SOCHIAS

SOCHIAS’s new board highlights the priorities for this new chapter of the organization. Strengthening the ties between science and society is one of them. “Whether through education and scientific communication, or through technology transfer. How discoveries and tools developed by astronomy can be used in other areas and benefit society,” commented Andrea Mejías, the vice president, in conversation with Fundación Cielos de Chile.

Another priority is moving towards a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse astronomy. “I believe it’s important that astronomy isn’t just something from the north of our country but can be represented in different areas, and that more institutions appear in other regions,” she added.

Chile, the World Astronomy Capital

One of the major challenges upcoming for the organization will be hosting the International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly in Chile in 2030. This gathering, the most significant in the global sector, will bring together over three thousand astronomers from various countries, once again placing Chile as a central player in world astronomy.

SOCHIAS emphasizes Chile’s leadership in this field. “Beyond the presence of telescopes, it’s important for the country to translate this into scientific and technological leadership. It’s crucial to continue investing in science, building human capital, strengthening existing international ties, and maintaining astronomy as a fundamental element for our country’s development,” stated the board.

Regarding the installation of the world’s largest telescopes in Chile in the coming years, they call for an active role: “We must leverage this potential to make discoveries at the frontier of knowledge. Chile must not just be a host; it should be a protagonist.”

Light Pollution: The Main Threat to Astronomy in Chile

However, they warn that we are at a crucial moment where one of the main threats to the future of astronomical research in the country is light pollution. “We are at a point where urban and energy development are emerging as potential areas of concern,” they cautioned.

Therefore, one of SOCHIAS’s top tasks will be to promote a national culture of dark sky protection. “We have the goal, mission, and vision to work with those who can make decisions about this, and to extend this cultural promotion of sky care nationally,” they emphasized.

While they acknowledge that the new lighting regulation has been an advance, they believe there’s still room for improvement: “Better oversight mechanisms and greater coordination between institutions are needed to make these measures effective.” In parallel, they stress the importance of continuing to raise public awareness. “Chilean society is increasingly identifying with astronomy. We believe that the idea of Chile as an astronomical country is quite established. It’s essential that communication, outreach, and educational initiatives continue to strengthen this bond and promote awareness about sky protection,” they noted. “We must continue educating and informing. To protect the sky is to protect part of who we are, preserving our identity, our environment, and the scientific future of the country,” concluded the board.

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From Antofagasta, with the sea in the background and a starry sky that fell upon her every time the power went out, Daniela Fernández began to forge her fascination with the universe. She was only 14 when she decided to become an astronomer, inspired by a visit from a former student to her school. “From that day on, I was hooked on astronomy,” she recalled.

Daniela studied astronomy at the Catholic University and later specialized with a master’s degree in scientific communication at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona. Today, she works as a telescope and instrument operator at Las Campanas Observatory and leads the Pequeñas Grandes Estrellas Foundation, which teaches astronomy to preschool children. She is also the creator of the AstroDaniela (@astrodaniela) project, a digital window that showcases her work as a scientist and communicator.

An astronomer’s journey into education

During her years of study, Daniela discovered that her passion went beyond astronomical research. While working at a tourist observatory, she learned to communicate science to different audiences and found an unexpected but revealing path in education. That vocation was consolidated after a workshop with three-year-olds, an experience that led her to create the Pequeñas Grandes Estrellas Foundation.

Over time, seeing the potential of social media, she launched AstroDaniela: a public account where she shares her work at the observatory, her workshops, and her role as a scientist. “I wanted to be the role model I lacked at age 14. A female scientist, approachable, who they could ask what an astronomer really does. To show that we are also people, with challenges, passions, and yes, sometimes with imposter syndrome,” she emphasized.

For her, introducing science at an early age can make a profound difference. “I fully believe that it will help them, and we will create adults who are more aware of the environment in which they live. I don’t need everyone to be an astronomer or scientist, but I do need them to understand what is happening around them and why things happen,” she explained.

How do you teach astronomy to young children?

Daniela’s interest in teaching astronomy to such young children stems from her admiration for their curiosity and freedom to ask questions. “They are easily amazed and, through play, they incorporate critical thinking and the scientific method almost without realizing it,” she said.

That doesn’t mean it’s all easy, because adapting such abstract concepts as galaxies or black holes to a child’s language has been a challenge in itself. AstroDaniela’s approach combines experimentation, crafts, accessible vocabulary, and a theatricality necessary to capture the attention of three- to five-year-olds. “You have to bring out your inner child, talk with your hands, as if you were in a play,” she said.

More women looking at the sky

Along the way, Daniela Fernández has also understood the importance of making women visible in science. “When I was a girl, the role models in books were men who lived 100 years ago. Today, there are many women showing what they do, and that has brought science closer to new generations,” she said.

The impact of this work is evident. The astronomer mentions Josefa Hidalgo, a girl she met on social media who now writes astronomy books with her: “My goal is to show them that they can be whatever they want to be, in whatever field they want, from dancers to musicians, astronomers, paleontologists, doctors, whatever.”

Looking at the sky as a right

83% of the world’s population lives under light-polluted skies, a reality that limits astronomical observation, but also the possibility for more children to connect with the universe through something as simple and powerful as looking at the stars. “Chile should be known for having the cleanest skies in the world. Not just Easter Island or Torres del Paine. The skies are part of our heritage,” Daniela posited.

From her platform, she has developed content that addresses this issue, such as La Leyenda de la Yacana (The Legend of the Yacana), a story that revives the tradition of observing dark constellations in northern Chile. Looking up at the sky again, as she did in her childhood in Antofagasta, remains an essential experience for her. “I am lucky to work at the observatory and see the Milky Way every time it passes overhead. Despite light pollution, it is still possible. And we must take care of that,” she insisted.

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• The council will act through the Cielos de Chile Foundation and the Office for the Protection of the Quality of the Northern Chilean Sky (OPCC), with the aim of coordinating strategies and articulating actions to combat the advance of light pollution.

Light pollution is growing by 9.6% each year, according to a study published in Science journal. Chile’s skies are also being affected by this phenomenon, and it is estimated that a 10% increase in sky brightness would mean a 12.07% loss in the original capacity of optical telescopes located in the country.

In response to this problem, the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT), the European Southern Observatory (ESO), and Las Campanas Observatory—part of the Carnegie Institution for Science—signed an agreement to create the Dark Skies Council. Through this alliance, the institutions will work in a coordinated manner to protect Chile’s privileged skies.

The signatory institutions manage some of the largest and most advanced optical observatories in the world, all located in Chile: AURA is in charge of the Cerro Tololo Observatory, Gemini South, and the mega Vera C. Rubin Observatory, currently under construction; the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT), also under construction, will be installed at Las Campanas, where the Carnegie Institution for Science currently operates its observatory; while ESO operates observatories in Paranal and La Silla and will soon operate the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), under construction in Cerro Armazones.

The importance of protecting dark skies

Thanks to the exceptional quality of its skies, Chile now accounts for nearly 40% of the world’s astronomical observation capacity. In the last two decades, the number of astronomical institutions in the country has doubled, and the number of people dedicated to this science has tripled. In addition, three mega-telescopes, which will be among the largest in the world, will be installed in the coming years, with a total investment of more than US$5 billion. Their operation will allow Chile to exceed 60% of global astronomical observation capacity by 2030.

However, this leadership is at risk. The sustained increase in sources of light pollution from urban centers, industrial and mining operations, ports, and highways threatens the natural darkness of the night sky in the regions of Antofagasta, Atacama, and Coquimbo, key areas for astronomy. “The quality and darkness of the night sky are fundamental to the scientific operations of our observatories. Preserving the dark skies of northern Chile is a priority for the signatory institutions, as the continuity of their present and future activities depends on it,” states the signed agreement.

What is the Dark Skies Council and who are its members?

The Dark Skies Council is composed of six representatives from the observatories and its main mission will be to define and monitor the implementation of a common strategy to protect the dark skies. Its functions include coordinating activities with the Northern Chile Sky Quality Protection Office (OPCC) and the Cielos de Chile Foundation, as well as managing and allocating resources to implement specific initiatives in the territory.

The OPCC works to protect dark skies, which are essential for astronomy, and provides technical support to facilitate the implementation of light pollution regulations in the regions of Antofagasta, Atacama, and Coquimbo. For 25 years, it has collaborated with municipalities, local communities, and regional actors to promote actions for the prevention and reduction of this type of pollution.

For its part, the work of the Cielos de Chile Foundation has focused on the conservation of night skies as the country’s natural, scientific, and cultural heritage, and promotes the responsible use of artificial light for the benefit of science, biodiversity, human health, and sustainable tourism.

The Council appointed Oscar Contreras, who is Vice President and Representative in Chile for GMT, as its first Director. Contreras has extensive experience at the intersection of science, public policy, and conservation.

In this way, as Chile strengthens its leadership in dark sky protection, the launch of the Dark Sky Council marks a new era characterized by proactive stewardship to preserve one of Earth’s most important windows to the cosmos.

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The renowned American author visited Chile in January to explore the world’s darkest skies, reflect on their importance, and learn about local advances in protecting this heritage.

During the second week of January, Paul Bogard, American writer and advocate for the conservation of the night sky, arrived in Chile with a clear purpose: to explore the world’s darkest and most pristine skies. The author of the book The End of Night not only seeks to marvel at the beauty of darkness but also to raise awareness about the need to protect it.

Paul’s connection with dark skies began in his childhood while living in the state of Minnesota, United States. At that time, he enjoyed dark nights and a starry sky that would inspire him for a lifetime. “Those stars were my source of inspiration when, after graduating from college, I questioned what I wanted to write about,” he commented.

However, those stars he observed as a child were no longer in the skies of the cities where he lived, affected by light pollution. “That was the spark that triggered the journey that led to the creation of The End of Night and everything I have done in my career. I have always written about nature, but I felt I had found a topic that had not been written about much,” he added.

How darkness impacts our health and the environment

During his career, Paul has published various books such as What If Night?, aimed at children, and To Know a Starry Night, a coffee table book. Additionally, he is the editor of the anthology Let There Be Night: Testimony on Behalf of the Dark. When sharing his work with different audiences, he faces a recurring challenge: the perception of darkness as something dangerous.

On this, he believes it is important to educate and make a cultural change, to leave behind the association of darkness as something negative, but rather something necessary for the health of our environment and ourselves. “Many people think that darkness is unsafe, but it is poor lighting that creates insecurity. Through my work, I seek to teach how important darkness is for environmental, ecological, and human health,” he emphasized.

The impact he has had on this perception is significant, as 83% of people in the world live under polluted skies, unable to appreciate the virtues of a dark sky. “Many people, especially young people living in cities, have never seen true darkness, so they have no idea of its value,” he explained.

Narrative as a tool to protect dark skies

For Paul Bogard, in addition to education, narrative is essential to generate this change because it allows humanizing the problem of light pollution and reaching broader audiences. “A friend of mine says that we didn’t protect the Grand Canyon in the United States just for geologists, but for everyone. The same goes for the night sky: it’s not just for astronomers, it’s for all of us,” he pointed out.

He adds that the ability to convey experiences related to darkness and the starry sky is a powerful tool: “It’s important for people to know that there is a lot of beauty in darkness. Feeling comfortable with it is a fundamental part of being human. The more we learn to appreciate it, the better our lives will be.”

Chile as an example in preserving dark skies

Paul’s trip to Chile was motivated not only by the beauty of its skies but also by the country’s leadership in protecting this heritage. According to the author, Chile has combined astronomy, tourism, and conservation in an exemplary manner, becoming a global reference.

In this regard, he commented that: “The new Chilean laws could be a model for other places. It’s important to show how protecting the night sky can benefit everyone.” He also highlighted that Chile has the opportunity to inspire other locations to value this resource. “There are many beautiful places that don’t realize what they have. Chile could lead by showing how people care for these skies and how important they are,” he concluded.

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In conversation with Skies of Chile, Ruskin Hartley, CEO of DarkSky, explores Chile’s fundamental role in preserving the world’s clearest skies.

Ruskin Hartley, CEO and executive director of DarkSky International (DarkSky), has dedicated his career to protecting the natural resources of our planet. Recently, Ruskin visited Chile to meet with local authorities, representatives of non-governmental organizations, professional associations, and organizations dedicated to lighting and light pollution.

As part of a visit coordinated by the Skies of Chile Foundation, he toured observatories such as La Silla, the Las Campanas Observatory, and the site that will host the Giant Magellan Telescope. Hartley explains that his visit began at the observatories because it is where the light pollution regulations in Chile started. “The astronomical community is very dedicated to protecting dark skies as a vital resource that allows their scientific research. They also recognize that the region’s population is growing and that the economy is diversifying with tourism and an expanding mining sector. The question is how we can drive economic development in a way that protects the region’s valuable dark skies,” says the DarkSky representative.

Chile’s leadership in dark sky protection

Chile is home to the Gabriela Mistral Dark Sky Sanctuary, one of the most important places in the world for star observation and astronomical research. Named a sanctuary in 2015, it was the first place in the world to receive this distinction from DarkSky. Astrotourism has been embraced by neighboring communities, and Vicuña prides itself on being a world-class destination for star observation. However, Hartley highlights new challenges: “The sanctuary is now threatened by the growth of nearby cities like La Serena and Vicuña. This prompted us to come to Chile to talk with the community about how we are going to ensure these places are protected.”

During his visit, Hartley also met with local authorities, professionals, and lighting suppliers, as well as the academic world, to discuss the importance of implementing the new Chilean national light pollution regulations. Hartley positively highlighted the New Chilean Lighting Standard: “I believe Chile has the potential to become a role model. It has gone further than other countries by recognizing artificial night light as an environmental pollutant, in the same way, it recognizes common pollutants in water or air. This is an important step forward and a reason why we can look to Chile for leadership.”

However, Hartley also acknowledged the challenges that come with such innovative legislation. “It is clear that there are some conflicts, as the issue is spread across five or six agencies, each with its responsibility. The challenge is to find a way to combine and harmonize these efforts over time, without losing sight of the overall goal: protecting the environment. The goal is to create a better place for everyone, whether penguins or people.”

Daniela González, executive director of the Skies of Chile Foundation, highlighted the influence DarkSky has had on local organizations advocating for the reduction of light pollution. “The organization is the leading international reference in promoting the care of dark skies. And they have undoubtedly been an inspiration, to understand the problem of light pollution from its multiple dimensions. Our missions unite us, and within the work of civil society organizations—especially concerning environmental care—associativity and collaborative work are key to fulfilling our purpose,” she mentioned.

The global threat of satellites

Although Hartley’s work in Chile focused on solutions at the territorial level, the problem of light pollution has also reached our atmosphere with the proliferation of satellite constellations. Hartley warned of an incipient crisis. “Five years ago, we had a couple of thousand satellites in orbit. Today, we are approaching 10,000, half of which are owned by SpaceX. By the end of the decade, we could have up to one hundred thousand.”

This growing network of satellites threatens radio astronomy by interfering with its signals. Additionally, it has become a headache for optical astronomy due to the lines these bright objects leave in astronomical observations. But there are also environmental impacts, such as carbon emissions into the atmosphere during launches and the proliferation of space debris. “What most people don’t know is that a satellite has a lifespan of about four or five years. This means that every four or five years, each satellite in a constellation needs to be replaced.”

According to Hartley, the environmental effects of obsolete satellites burning up in the atmosphere are not yet fully known; however, he warns about the negative impact of metal release. “Most satellites are made of aluminum. When they burn up in the atmosphere, they deposit in the upper atmosphere. Scientists know that aluminum degrades the ozone layer, which is essential for protecting life on Earth by filtering harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun,” he commented.

Hartley insisted on the urgency of addressing this problem as soon as possible. “We have the opportunity to solve a problem before it becomes too big. We have been using plastic bottles and plastic bags that have ended up in the ocean, and now it is full of microplastics. We have seen this situation before, and now we have the opportunity to stop it.”

A call to action for conservation

Although Chile has made progress in regulating light pollution, Hartley emphasizes the importance of a broad group of actors joining in, including the tourism and conservation sectors. “Where is the conservation community in this conversation? Not just the birds, but the conservation community in general,” he asks. “Unlike the challenges of climate change or deforestation, lighting is relatively easy to solve from a technical perspective. Using lighting more consciously can help solve those problems,” Hartley argues.

In a world where natural darkness is increasingly scarce, Hartley invites Chile to preserve its heritage of dark skies. “It is clear that Chile is proud of its natural heritage, its mountains, its wildlife, and its pristine waters. Protecting its dark skies is supporting something that is part of the identity and what it means to be Chilean.”

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