Towards a Spectro-Photometric Characterization of the Chilean Night Sky. A first quantitative assessment of ALAN across the Coquimbo Region

Abstract

Light pollution is recognized as a global issue that, like other forms of anthropogenic pollution, has significant impact on ecosystems and adverse effects on living organisms. Multiple evidence suggests that it has been increasing at an unprecedented rate at all spatial scales. Chile, which thanks to its unique environmental conditions has become one of the most prominent astronomical hubs of the world, seems to be no exception. In this paper we present the results of the first observing campaign aimed at quantifying the effects of artificial lights at night (ALAN) on the brightness and colors of Chilean sky. Through the analysis of photometrically calibrated all-sky images captured at four representative sites with an increasing degree of anthropization, and the comparison with state-of-the-art numerical models, we show that significant levels of light pollution have already altered the appearance of the natural sky even in remote areas. Our observations reveal that the light pollution level recorded in a small town of the Coquimbo Region is comparable with that of Flagstaff, a ten times larger Dark Sky city, and that a mid-size urban area door to the Atacama Desert displays photometric indicators of night sky quality that are typical of the most densely populated regions of Europe. Our results suggest that there is still much to be done in Chile to keep the light pollution phenomenon under control and thus preserve the darkness of its night sky - a natural and cultural heritage that is our responsibility to protect.