On Friday, March 20, Fundación Cielos de Chile took part as one of the invited institutions at the ESO-ALMA Open Day 2026, celebrated in the framework of Astronomy Day. The event, which addressed topics such as light pollution and dark sky protection, is one of the most significant annual opportunities to bring astronomical knowledge to the general public.

From the start of the day, the facilities welcomed students from public schools across several communes of the Metropolitan Region. From 16:00 onwards, the doors opened to the general public with free activities including telescope-building workshops, a guided visit to the ALMA control room, a meteorite exhibition, and astronomy talks, among many others. Throughout the day, more than 600 people explored the facilities to learn about the progress and care of Chile’s astronomical heritage.

Light pollution knowledge for all ages

Fundación Cielos de Chile participated with a stand where families and students could learn about light pollution and the importance of protecting dark skies as a natural, scientific and cultural heritage. “For us, participating in these events is very important because we can work with all the families and people who approach us on raising awareness about light pollution,” explained Sofía Ramírez, Environmental Education Officer at the Foundation. “It is a problem that undoubtedly affects astronomical observation, but it also has other impacts, such as on biodiversity and human health. In these events, we can bring this sense of importance to people and help them understand how relevant Chile is in global astronomical observation,” she added.

“Being able to participate through a stand and a talk is very important, as it allows us to connect with people through conversation and explanation,” the professional continued. How is this achieved? The stand experience is designed to be engaging and playful: through a classic tic-tac-toe game, visitors learn about sources of light pollution. Another game introduces the migratory journey of storm petrels and how light pollution creates obstacles along their path. The content is presented in a concrete and accessible way, reaching people of all ages, helping them understand how light pollution is generated and what actions individuals and communities can take to reduce it and protect this globally unique heritage, essential for scientific and technological development.

Citizen action

In addition to the stand, the Foundation participated in the short talks programme with a presentation also delivered by Sofía Ramírez. The talk focused on how to use the Glowatch platform, which enables citizens to report sources of light pollution through citizen science.

For the Foundation, participating in this event is also an opportunity to remind families that the dark skies that make all this science possible require active protection, and that this is a shared responsibility.

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At the National Meeting on Physical Activity and Local Sport, organized by the Chilean Association of Municipalities, and as part of Fundación Cielos de Chile’s itinerary during Astronomy Week, Executive Director Daniela González participated as an invited speaker to address the impact of sports lighting on dark skies, human health, and biodiversity, a topic that tends to go unnoticed in municipal sports planning.

The meeting brought together municipal representatives from across Chile for a conversation on sustainable sports lighting. The invitation came from Sportwelt, a company specialised in sports infrastructure and winner of the Sports Lighting category at the Premio Cielos de Chile 2025 for its project at Estadio La Caldera, in the Atacama Region.

The implications of light pollution

During her joint presentation with Sportwelt, Daniela González noted that light pollution goes far beyond its impact on telescopes, adding that urban flora, fauna, and nocturnal ecosystems also depend on certain levels of darkness to function properly.

One of the points that most captured the audience’s attention was the origin of the citizen reports received by the Foundation through its citizen science platform, Glowatch. “A significant share of the reports we receive from residents relates to sports facilities, from all across the country,” explained Daniela, citing concrete cases such as a skatepark on the coastal edge of Arica, a critical nesting area for protected seabirds.

Sports lighting and the light pollution norm: time is running out

The Foundation also reminded the municipal representatives present that the new light pollution regulation, in force since October 2024, explicitly includes sports and recreational lighting, stadiums, multipurpose courts, and neighbourhood courts, within its scope. For the 29 astronomical communes in the north of the country, compliance is immediate. For the rest of Chile, the deadline begins in October 2026. “The clock is already ticking. We all know that developing projects, securing approvals and funding are processes that take months and sometimes years. It’s time to get moving,” warned González.

A global perspective

Also present at the meeting was Camilo Motta, representative of Musco Lighting for South America, an international company specialised in sports lighting that works alongside Sportwelt in Chile. Motta highlighted that while the concern for dark skies is persistent in Chile, it is neither new nor unique to the country. “This is something that has gained momentum worldwide. In Canada, there are already programmes that protect dark skies and establish specific parameters to follow when lighting sports venues,” he noted, adding that organisations such as DarkSky, with whom he works closely, certify stadiums that meet standards of non-contamination towards the surrounding environment and the sky.

When change is visible from 50 kilometres away

Perhaps the most illustrative moment of the meeting was the story of Estadio de Andacollo, shared by Juan Agustín Donoso, representative of Sportwelt. During the handover ceremony for the lighting replacement project, a scientific observatory called to ask when the new lighting would be ready. Upon learning it was already on, the caller went to check the monitors in the observatory’s control room — located 50 kilometres away, and confirmed in real time that the light pollution that had affected the observatory for years had disappeared.

The meeting closed with a clear message from the Foundation: protecting dark skies and ensuring quality sports facilities are not opposing goals. “Dark skies can be protected while guaranteeing the safety of our residents,” summarised González. Good sports lighting design, she added, not only ensures regulatory compliance: it also generates energy efficiency, reduces conflicts with neighbouring communities, and contributes to the protection of a heritage that belongs to all of Chile.

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On 20 March, the Environmental Assessment Service (SEA) published a resolution in the Official Gazette revoking the SEA guide for astronomical areas, the technical instrument that since 2024 had guided the environmental assessment of projects with artificial light emissions in zones of scientific value for astronomy.

However, the repeal of the guide does not suspend legal obligations. What is established in Article 11 of Law 19.300 remains in force: every project submitted to the Environmental Impact Assessment System must demonstrate that it is not susceptible to affecting areas of astronomical value. This obligation stems from a 2019 legal amendment that introduced three fundamental changes: artificial light was incorporated as a pollutant, projects were required to demonstrate they would not affect astronomical areas, and the Ministry of Science was tasked with defining which areas qualify. All of the above remains in effect.

Reasons behind the repeal of the SEA guide and what comes next

The repeal responded to concerns raised by the astronomical and scientific community following a Fundación Cielos de Chile publication demonstrating that no project submitted to the SEA had been found susceptible to affecting astronomical areas, revealing that the parameters in use were too lenient and therefore failed to meet their preventive purpose. In a conversation with Radio Infinita on 23 March, Daniela González, Executive Director of Fundación Cielos de Chile, explained that “the repealed guide was based on considerably outdated criteria,” and that projects had consequently been evaluated without the required level of scrutiny.

From the Foundation’s perspective, the repeal of the SEA guide represents an opportunity. Last year, the Advisory Commission of the Ministry of Science worked on reviewing the 29 astronomical communes and their protection criteria. Its conclusions were clear: the susceptibility threshold should be set at 1% alteration of the natural sky brightness, a standard supported by technical bodies and the scientific community alike.

“The work has been done,” González stated on the Mundo Infinito programme. “What is needed now is political will. We call on the Minister of Science and the Minister of the Environment to expedite this process, because the entire astronomical community invested in these issues is fully prepared to ensure that the second version of this guide genuinely fulfils its purpose of protecting astronomical sites.” She also addressed a topic that has dominated the governmental agenda: the so-called issue of “permisología”, the complexity of regulatory permitting. From the Foundation’s standpoint, having clear and updated criteria directly supports this goal: “Permitting delays are largely driven by lengthy processing and review times. When criteria are clear and evidence-based, that is reduced, because there is no room left for interpretation,” González explained.

Dark skies as a strategic asset

Beyond their scientific and cultural value, Chile’s dark skies represent a concrete economic asset. The international observatories installed in the country constitute direct foreign investment. Chile currently hosts more than 40% of the world’s astronomical observation capacity, a figure that will exceed 60% once the new mega-telescopes become operational. Protecting this natural capital is not incompatible with productive development; it means reconciling different visions of progress. “The sooner we can resolve a second edition of the SEA guide for astronomical areas, the more we will reduce the uncertainty that project holders also face,” said the Foundation’s Executive Director.

A call for early action

For companies and projects operating in areas close to astronomical zones, the temporary absence of an updated guide is not a signal to pause, it is a “yellow light” that calls for early design review. Incorporating the light dimension from the outset, assessing how much light is truly needed and how to ensure operational safety without over-illuminating, is a strategic decision. Good lighting design not only ensures regulatory compliance: it can also generate long-term savings.

Fundación Cielos de Chile is actively working to contribute to the development of the new SEA guide for astronomical areas and to support project holders in responsibly incorporating the light dimension into their operations.

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When we speak of ecosystems, we speak of interdependence. As Humberto Maturana argued, we do not exist separately from our environment. In Chile, this relationship is powerfully expressed in the connection people have with nature. A recent study published in the scientific journal Ambio ranked Chile among the countries most connected to nature globally, reflecting that this is not only a physical asset, but also a cultural one.

A heritage that transcends governments

In this context, Chile’s dark skies represent a unique heritage. For more than 60 years, the country has taken on a task that transcends any single government: opening its territory to international astronomical observation. This decision has generated investment, development and global recognition, all grounded in an exceptional condition, dark, dry and stable skies, unmatched anywhere on Earth.

Today, Chile hosts nearly 40% of the world’s astronomical observation capacity, a figure that will continue to grow in the coming years. In 2030, Chile will host the General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union. None of this is coincidental: it reflects a sustained national policy and the recognition of a resource that does not run out, but can be lost.

Dark skies as a strategic decision

Light pollution is advancing steadily on a global scale, affecting not only scientific research but also biodiversity and human health. Caring for the night sky is not a luxury: it is a strategic decision. What is at stake is not only the continuity of astronomy, but also our capacity to ask essential questions about the origin of life and the place we inhabit. Looking up at the sky is, in its own way, a means of understanding ourselves.

An opportunity to act

Chile has made progress in this area. The country has an active light pollution regulation, territories recognised as areas of astronomical value, and environmental instruments that safeguard the quality of the dark skies. Within this framework, the recent repeal of the technical guide opens an opportunity to strengthen and update its criteria in line with the best available scientific evidence.

In a context of multiple urgent priorities, this process requires attention and continuity, not because of its technical complexity, but because of its strategic relevance. The foundations are in place, the knowledge exists, and the country has already demonstrated leadership in this field.

There is no need to choose between economic development and protection. Chile’s experience in astronomy shows that both can advance together. Clear regulation does not stop projects: it provides certainty, guides development and protects an asset that sets Chile apart on the global stage.

An invitation to build together

Fundación Cielos de Chile extends an invitation to the new authorities: let us build together a robust, updated and long-term framework that allows this heritage to be preserved.

Whether Chile continues to be an open window to the universe — and a mirror in which humanity recognises itself — depends on the decisions we make today.

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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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With extensive experience in environmental education initiatives at the community and municipal levels, environmental engineer Sofía Ramírez went from promoting activities related to energy efficiency, water sustainability, biodiversity, and flora and fauna observation to leading the new Environmental Education department at Fundación Cielos de Chile.

In this role, she is in charge of outreach and awareness-raising activities through which the foundation seeks to increase awareness of the problem of light pollution.

‘It has been quite a nice challenge. Although I am not from the world of astronomy, raising awareness as an environmental engineer about the negative impacts of light pollution motivates me a lot. I have a sense of vocation for the well-being and outreach to the community,’ she says.

Growing the Glowatch citizen science platform

In addition to being in charge of the foundation’s seminars, fairs and talks, one of her great challenges is to grow and build loyalty among the community of the Glowatch citizen science platform in order to expand its reach in the field and the foundation’s impact on the care of dark skies.

This tool, promoted by the foundation together with the Light Research Centre (CILUZ), the Centre of Excellence in Astrophysics and Related Technologies (CATA) and the Centre for Mathematical Modelling (CMM) at the University of Chile, allows people to detect and report cases of light pollution in their city via WhatsApp.

‘We do two walks a year, but people can report anytime, anywhere: just take a photo and add a description,’ she explains. The information received is used to build a registry of light pollution reports that can be viewed at glowatch.cl.

‘My experience has shown me that the community always wants to improve and seek collective well-being, and using this tool is a nice way to bring these issues closer to people,’ says Sofía.

The importance of dark skies in the school curriculum

Raising awareness about the importance of dark skies from an early age is another area that Sofía leads from the Environmental Education department.

In this context, she says, ‘since the foundation, we have been developing a curriculum to raise awareness about light pollution among the school community in the municipalities of Atacama and Coquimbo, near the site of one of the largest astronomical observatories in northern Chile.’

The content, she adds, is based on the topics of light and energy in the Ministry of Education’s curriculum.

For Sofía, the challenges never stop. At the same time, she is already beginning to plan an environmental education programme on light pollution and the importance of dark skies aimed at the general public, which could begin to be implemented in 2026.

‘Raising awareness among the public is extremely important, because they are the ones who today have the power to report or understand the issue of light pollution,’ she reflects.

For her, as a professional, the reward for promoting these initiatives is great: ‘I feel like it’s my grain of sand. I’m working for a better place with this grain of sand, and for me it makes perfect sense. It’s not a job that feels like a burden; on the contrary, it’s very rewarding.’

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May is Heritage Month in Chile, an event that every year brings together millions of people across the country to rediscover and appreciate their cultural, natural, and scientific history. In this context, Fundación Cielos de Chile and the Chilean Astronomy Society (SOCHIAS) launched a joint campaign to highlight a unique and irreplaceable heritage: the night sky.

Why are the skies a heritage site?

Dark skies are a scientific heritage: currently, seven of the world’s 18 largest optical telescopes are installed in Chile. To make observations, these instruments need to be located in remote areas with low humidity, clear skies, and no light pollution. Chile is one of the few places on the planet where all these conditions are met. This is why the country accounts for 40% of global astronomical observation, and that figure is projected to reach 60% in the next decade.

But the importance of the night skies is not limited to science. They are also a cultural heritage, connecting society with its origins, with the peoples who preceded it, and with its future. Since ancient times, observation of the sky has guided agricultural calendars, navigation, and founding narratives. In many cultures, the stars have been an essential part of their worldview.

Likewise, the night skies represent an environmental heritage, as they are essential for biodiversity. Many nocturnal animals and insects depend on the natural light of the moon and stars to orient themselves, feed, and reproduce. Light pollution has interfered with these processes and altered their life cycles. Migratory birds, for example, are diverted from their routes by the lights of cities, causing collisions with buildings or exhaustion during flight.

Chile without stars

The initiative also proposed that institutions temporarily remove the stars from their logos as a symbolic way of raising awareness about the rapid increase in light pollution in the country.

“By removing the stars from their logos, each organization will be sending a clear and powerful message: without stars, there is no sky. And without sky, there is no science or heritage. That’s what we wanted to highlight,“ explained Daniela González, executive director of the Cielos de Chile Foundation. ”We believe that this context was ideal for reminding people that in Chile there is a museum that is only open at night: the sky. And protecting it is everyone’s responsibility,” she added.

The Cielos de Chile Foundation, the Chilean Astronomy Society (SOCHIAS), the Institute for Research in Astronomy and Planetary Sciences (INCT), the Department of Physics at the University of Santiago de Chile, the Yems Millennium Nucleus, the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in Astrophysics and Space Sciences (CIRAS), and the Millennium Institute for Astrophysics.

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With winter vacation coming up on June 23, the Cielos de Chile Foundation invites families to experience a different kind of adventure: exploring the universe from the country’s dark skies. The Chilean Astro-Tourism Portal brings together the country’s astronomical tourism offerings, with activities ideal for adults and children alike.

From observing the sky with the naked eye to guided sessions with telescopes, nighttime horseback riding, or outdoor dinners, the platform brings together scientific observatories, tourist observatories, and specialized operators. Many of these experiences also integrate the worldview of indigenous peoples and promote sustainable tourism that cares for the natural environment and benefits local communities.

The Cielos de Chile Foundation emphasizes that astro-tourism is not only an opportunity for recreation, but also an educational experience and a way to connect with the environment. Along these lines, its project coordinator, Juan Pablo Valenzano, said: “These vacations are an excellent opportunity for children to approach astronomy in an entertaining way, learning to appreciate the importance of dark skies. Through the portal, families can find out what is available throughout the country and easily plan activities for these days.”

Featured activities for children

The Astro-tourism Portal brings together a wide range of options designed to entertain and educate children. During the weekends in June and July, ESO’s La Silla Observatory, located in La Higuera, offers daytime tours for children aged 4 and up, where they can see the scientific telescopes and other facilities at this world-class observation center up close.

In the Elqui Valley, the Solaris Observatory invites the whole family to explore the night sky through a 16-inch telescope and discover constellations and galaxies in an experience for children of all ages.

Although much of the country’s astro-tourism is concentrated in the north, the experience also extends to the Metropolitan Region, where families can visit the National Astronomical Observatory in Las Condes, the Boutique Observatory in Chicureo, or participate in outdoor activities in Cajón del Maipo, such as astronomical observation, night walks, and astrophotography workshops. Further south, the portal even includes alternatives in municipalities such as Puerto Montt and Panguipulli.

Skies unique in the world

The quality of Chile’s skies, especially in the desert areas of the north of the country, is unique in the world. In northern Chile, there is an average of 290 clear nights per year. The skies in this area are transparent, pristine, and stable. However, this reality is under threat: light pollution is currently growing by 9.6% each year, more than triple the rate of CO2 emissions.

In this context, more than just a tourism tool, the portal also seeks to raise awareness about the need to protect Chile’s dark skies. “Our invitation is not only to marvel at the stars, but also to understand the importance of caring for these unique skies, which are now threatened by light pollution,” said Juan Pablo Valenzano.

How to use the astro-tourism portal

The Fundación Cielos de Chile’s astro-tourism portal is available at astroturismo.cieloschile.cl. Its intuitive design allows users to explore activities based on their location and interests. Clicking on each offer displays detailed descriptions, photographs, and contact information for booking the service.

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The Skies of Chile Foundation took part in the event with a talk and an interactive stand aimed at raising awareness among the many visitors about the importance of preserving dark skies for the advancement of astronomy.

As part of Astronomy Day, on Friday, March 21, the European Southern Observatory (ESO) opened its doors to the public with a series of activities and talks focused on science outreach. This year, the conversation around the protection of dark skies was especially relevant due to the potential development of projects near scientific observatories, which threatens the quality of some of the most pristine skies in the world.

Dark Skies: A Vital Resource for Astronomy

During the event, Juan Pablo Valenzano, Project Coordinator at The Skies of Chile Foundation, gave a talk titled “Dark Skies”, which addressed the issue of light pollution and its impact on astronomical observation. He emphasized that Chile is home to globally renowned skies for astronomy, but that increasing artificial lighting poses a growing threat to this advantage.

One of the key points discussed was the misconception that increased lighting in cities equates to development. While lighting does play a role in the perception of safety and well-being, its implementation must be carefully planned to avoid waste and reduce its negative impacts on astronomical observation, biodiversity, and human health.

The presentation included a map showing the rise in light pollution in the La Serena and Coquimbo regions in recent years, with a noticeable increase near observatories. “In 2023, light pollution sources were identified even near the Paranal Observatory, largely due to the spread of high-intensity LED technology without proper regulation,” explained Juan Pablo.

Experiencing ESO’s Open House Day

Throughout the day, visitors took part in guided tours of ESO’s facilities, interactive exhibitions, astronomy workshops for all ages, and even had the opportunity to use telescopes for solar observation. Attendees also enjoyed science demonstrations and learned firsthand about the work conducted by ESO observatory astronomers.

Participants visited ALMA’s control room and joined workshops on comet making, astronomical painting and telescope crafting, screen printing of images from ESO and ALMA telescopes, virtual reality experiences, and a series of short astronomy talks.

Among the featured exhibitions were topics such as galaxy formation, the collaboration between ALMA and the James Webb Space Telescope, as well as keynote talks on ALMA’s discoveries and the construction of the Extremely Large Telescope.

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A panel of experts discussed the importance of protecting our dark skies from excessive lighting.

As part of Astronomy Day, the Skies of Chile Foundation led a panel discussion at the La Moneda Cultural Center, where renowned experts addressed the challenges of preserving our dark skies.

The conversation was moderated by Daniela González, Executive Director of the Skies of Chile Foundation, and featured Ximena Muñoz, Director of Ciluz, and Bárbara Rojas-Ayala, researcher at the Center of Excellence in Astrophysics and Related Technologies (CATA). The speakers discussed light pollution and its impact on astronomical research and human health.

Dark Skies: Key to Tracing Our Origins

In her remarks, astrophysicist Bárbara Rojas-Ayala explained how light pollution hinders the study of astronomy’s biggest questions, such as: Where do we come from? How was matter created? “To answer these, we need to look very far into the universe,” she stated.

“When we observe distant objects, we’re actually seeing the universe in its earliest stages, because light takes time to reach us. To do this, we need extremely precise instruments, which is why the best locations on Earth were chosen for astronomical observation,” the astrophysicist highlighted.

Today, Chile hosts nearly 40% of the world’s astronomical observation capacity, a figure expected to rise above 60% by the early 2030s. However, this major scientific investment is under threat due to the growing issue of light pollution.

“We build these telescopes with mirrors that act like giant buckets, aiming to collect as many photons as possible — photons being the particles responsible for light and electromagnetic radiation. We’re building increasingly larger telescopes to detect very faint objects, like exoplanets,” Rojas-Ayala explained.

“If I’m in a very dark place, free from light pollution, I can detect extremely faint signals. It’s like hearing a whisper in the distance. But with light pollution, I collect all surrounding photons in addition to the one I’m looking for, making it very difficult to find that signal saying, ‘hello, I’m a planet where life could exist,’” the expert illustrated.

Over-illumination and Its Effect on Urban Environments

Ximena Muñoz, Executive Director of Ciluz, addressed the causes and effects of poor lighting in cities and how excessive light harms both human quality of life and biodiversity.

“Those of us who work with lighting work not only with light, but also with darkness — a vital heritage not just for astronomy, but for the well-being of all living things,” she stated.

According to Ximena, one of the main causes of today’s over-illumination is the rapid spread of LED lighting between 2005 and 2010. “LED arrived as a panacea — a long-lasting light source, small in size, and highly energy-efficient,” she explained. However, this type of lighting is characterized by high levels of blue light, which inhibits melatonin production — the “sleep hormone” — and has harmful effects on insects, birds, and other living organisms.

“What happened was a massive transition to cold light that also emits much more brightness. Wattage was replaced one-for-one: a 200 W sodium lamp was swapped for a 200 W LED, which emits three times more light. As a result, we’re now in a state of uncontrolled over-illumination that has become normalized,” Muñoz noted.

The lighting expert emphasized that the human eye can adapt to darker conditions and that, contrary to popular belief, excessive lighting can actually reduce urban safety. “Our pupils function like camera apertures — they contract in bright light and dilate in the dark. When there’s over-illumination, we lose the ability to perceive details and suffer from glare, which creates unsafe conditions,” said the Executive Director of Ciluz.

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