Atacama stargazing threatened again as weak rules could reintroduce light pollution

A cancelled project may not stop future skyglow

Chile’s Atacama Desert, famed for crystal-clear nights, still faces a light-pollution risk. Even though a nearby energy project was cancelled, scientists warn that lax regulations could permit similar projects to return. Beyond glare, desert dust from construction could also blur observations, threatening sensitive astronomical research. Authorities are now pushing stronger protections for dark-sky zones.