Saturday, August 2, 2025

Global Astronomy Affected by Light Pollution

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Light pollution is increasingly threatening astronomical research worldwide, particularly impacting major observatories like the European Southern Observatory’s Paranal site in Chile, which has historically boasted some of the darkest skies. Despite being situated in a remote area, a new construction project aimed to produce green energy could introduce enough light to hamper visibility, mirroring challenges faced by observatories near urban developments. Ground-based telescopes are vital for modern astronomy, yet they are now grappling with an annual rise in artificial light by approximately 10%. This surge, fueled by urban expansion and the proliferation of energy-efficient LED lighting, not only obscures celestial observations but also diminishes the natural beauty of the night sky for the majority of the global population, with about 80% unable to see the Milky Way.

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