The Skies of Chile

Discover the importance of preserving the country's night skies.

scroll down to discover more

Why do we need dark skies?

It is a prerequisite for astronomical research

A large part of astronomical research is conducted at night using optical telescopes. Currently, Chile is home to seven of the 18 largest optical telescopes in the world, each with a diameter greater than 6 meters. To make observations, these telescopes need to be located in remote areas, away from light pollution, and have climatic conditions that ensure cloudless skies. Chile is one of the few places in the world where these conditions come together.

It contributes to good human health

Just as we need daylight, humans also need the darkness of night. When the sun sets, the amount of blue light—the part of visible light with the highest energy—decreases. This causes our eyes to send an alert to the brain to release melatonin, the hormone that induces sleep and adjusts the circadian cycle, our biological clock that regulates our physical and mental activity in 24-hour cycles. There is scientific evidence indicating that artificial light is affecting the health of people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and is a contributing factor in the development of breast and prostate cancer.

It is essential for biodiversity

Nocturnal animals and insects navigate by the moon and stars. Artificial light disrupts their sense of direction and their reproductive methods. It also has a significant impact on migratory birds, which are drawn to city lights and then collide with structures, or become exhausted and stop in unsafe places. Artificial light can also affect the flowering of trees and cause overgrowth, making them more vulnerable to branch falls.

It is part of our culture

The night skies connect us with our origins, with the peoples that preceded us, and with the future. Observing them has been key to human development, allowing our ancestors to define calendars for harvests and navigate through the stars. The observation of the night sky has been crucial in the cosmogony of many peoples and even civilizations. In 2007, the Declaration on the Defense of the Night Sky and the Right to Starlight recognized dark skies as an implicit right in the conservation of the cultural and natural heritage for future generations.

It contributes to enjoying the night more safely

Sustainable lighting is a fundamental component of urban infrastructure and an important factor for road and personal safety. The glare from bright lights causes our pupils to constrict, producing a blinding effect, which can contribute to traffic accidents. Similarly, excessive brightness increases the contrast with shadows, creating blind spots that can be unsafe for pedestrians. Having well-lit public spaces, with uniform and well-directed light, allows us to enjoy them more safely at night while also connecting us with the beauty of dark skies.

Chile:
epicenter of astronomy

The quality of Chile's skies, especially in the desert regions of the north, is unique on a global scale. In northern Chile, there is an average of 290 clear nights per year. The skies in this area are transparent, pristine, and stable.

290 clear nights

There are on average each year in the north of Chile

Currently, Chile accounts for nearly 40% of the world's astronomical observation capacity, and it is expected to exceed 60% by early 2030.

In the last 20 years, the number of centers and institutions developing astronomy in Chile has doubled, while the number of people working in astronomy in the country has tripled.

Chile offers a true natural laboratory for the development of this science.

This has significant benefits for the country:

Development of scientific research and productive development based on science.

Major milestones in astronomy over the last century have been made possible thanks to observations conducted from Chile.

It fosters economic development opportunities for neighboring communities through goods and services.

It promotes the development of associated activities, such as the rise of astrotourism in nearby communities that also require dark skies.

History of Astronomy in Chile

1849

James Melville Gillis establishes the first observatory on Cerro Santa Lucía in Santiago, which will become the National Astronomical Observatory (OAN).

1963

The European Southern Observatory (ESO) signs an agreement with Chile to build the La Silla Observatory.

1967

The Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory is inaugurated.

1969

The Las Campanas Observatory and the La Silla Observatory are established.

1999

The DS N°686/1998 from the Ministry of Economy, Development, and Reconstruction comes into effect, establishing the first regulation for light pollution.

2000

The Office for the Protection of the Quality of the Skies of Northern Chile (OPCC) is created.

2012

Construction of the Giant Magellan Telescope begins.

2014

The DS N°43/2012 from the Ministry of the Environment comes into effect, updating the DS N°686/1998.

2019

The Cielos de Chile Foundation is created.

2024

The DS N°1/2022 comes into effect, setting the standard for artificial light emissions generated by outdoor lighting.

2030

Chile will host the XXXIV General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union.

Astrotourism and communities

The quality of Chile's skies not only promotes the development of astronomical activity but also offers opportunities for science-based development that is sustainable as it focuses on the protection of dark skies.

Among these opportunities, astronomical tourism—also known as astrotourism—has been the activity that has grown the most since the late 1990s when the Mamalluca tourist observatory was inaugurated.

Chile's astrotourism potential has been enhanced by several international recognitions. Since 2015, the country has had the Gabriela Mistral International Dark Sky Sanctuary in the Elqui Valley, certified by DarkSky International. Additionally, there are destinations that have received the Starlight certification, an initiative that recognizes places whose weather conditions allow for exceptionally clear dark skies and that have a solid proposal.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive relevant information about the skies of Chile every month