Chile’s relationship with astronomy dates back to 1849, when American astronomer James Melville Gillis arrived in the country with funding to establish a small observatory on Cerro Santa Lucía, in what is now the city of Santiago. This observatory became the first astronomical center in South America, where scientists compiled one of the earliest catalogs of stars located in the southern celestial pole.
Fast forward to today, Chile is recognized as the “world capital of astronomy” due to the exceptional quality of its skies and the presence of some of the most advanced observatories on the planet. Scientists from all over the world visit the country to study celestial bodies using the most powerful telescopes available. However, one aspect that is often overlooked is the technological development and transfer that stems from astronomical research.
Astronomy as a Problem-Solving Tool
According to Elise Servajean, a Chilean astronomer and General Manager of the Center for Astrophysics and Related Technologies (CATA), astronomy has the potential to contribute to various industries beyond space exploration. In an interview at the 2025 Future Congress, she highlighted that astrophysics is not typically considered a field that can directly solve industry-related problems. However, through increased visibility and engagement with different sectors, institutions like CATA are demonstrating that they possess the expertise to develop high-level technology.
CATA was designed with the goal of creating applicable and patentable technologies that can be integrated into various industries. The center has established a Technology Transfer Unit (UTT) that collaborates with engineers and astronomers to identify industrial challenges and devise solutions using expertise derived from astrophysical research.
Technological Applications Derived from Astronomy
One of the most notable applications of astronomical technology in Chile is in detecting red tides. Utilizing technology originally developed to identify colors and molecular compositions of celestial objects, researchers have created methods to detect harmful algal blooms in the ocean. Red tides, caused by the proliferation of specific algae, produce toxins that can contaminate seafood, making early detection crucial for the fishing industry.
Similar technology is being used in agriculture to analyze grain quality. Recently, CATA secured a project with Agrosuper, a Chilean agricultural company, to enhance their grain classification systems. Existing methods were functional but had room for improvement, and CATA proposed the integration of advanced sensors capable of continuously identifying grain types as they move along a conveyor belt.
Another groundbreaking initiative is the Radio Vision project, which employs radiotelescope-based technology to detect mobile phones. This system has applications in search-and-rescue operations, where it can help locate missing individuals in remote areas.
Astronomical algorithms are also being repurposed to identify system failures. Models designed to track variations in asteroid orbits can now be used to detect anomalies in industrial equipment, further showcasing the wide-ranging applications of astrophysical research.
Challenges Facing Chilean Astronomy
Despite its prominence in the global astronomy community, Chile’s observatories are facing new challenges. One of the most pressing threats is light pollution caused by industrial projects, particularly those related to renewable energy. The Atacama Desert, home to some of the world’s most significant telescopes, is expected to host 50% of the planet’s astronomical capacity in the coming years. However, increasing industrial activity in the region poses a risk to the pristine skies that make Chile such an attractive destination for astronomers.
A controversial case is the INNA Project by AES Andes, which aims to establish an industrial complex just 5 to 11 kilometers away from the Paranal Observatory, home to the Very Large Telescope (VLT). If the project proceeds as planned, artificial lighting from the facility could interfere with astronomical observations, significantly diminishing the effectiveness of one of the world’s most powerful ground-based telescopes.
Chile has previously updated its Light Pollution Regulation to mitigate such risks, but the increasing demand for clean energy and industrial expansion necessitates further improvements to ensure that scientific research and sustainable development can coexist. Servajean emphasizes the need for new regulatory frameworks that balance the interests of both scientific and industrial sectors. Rather than opposing projects like AES Andes outright, she advocates for collaborative solutions that allow both astronomical research and industrial progress to thrive.
The Future of Astronomy and Technological Innovation in Chile
The advancements made by Chilean astronomers are not limited to space exploration; they have far-reaching implications for industries ranging from agriculture to telecommunications. By fostering partnerships between scientific institutions and private companies, Chile is positioning itself as a leader in technological innovation driven by astrophysical research.
With proper regulatory measures, Chile has the potential to maintain its status as the world’s leading hub for astronomical research while simultaneously leveraging its expertise to contribute to various industries. By ensuring that scientific and industrial developments align, Chile can continue to push the boundaries of knowledge while driving technological progress that benefits society as a whole.
