2024-08-20 06:00:11
Telescopes, their construction, and their operation have recently been identified as significant sources of greenhouse gases emitted by astronomy research activities. However, greenhouse gases are not the only pression on the Earth’s climate: six of the nine planetary boundaries, necessary for the proper functioning of the Earth system, are currently exceeded due to human activities.
ESO Images.
In order to define ways to reduce the environmental impacts of observation methods in astronomy, it is necessary to determine all of these impacts. A team scientist interdisciplinarybringing together researchers from CNRS Terre & UniverseCNRS Engineeringand CNRS Nuclear & Particules, has studied this issue for the first time through a life cycle analysis of a telescope that will soon be installed on the island of La Palma, Spain. The study shows that greenhouse gas emissions and the depletion of natural resources are the main environmental impacts of the telescope. The analysis suggests that the telescope will emit 2660 (+/- 274) tCO2eq over its life cycle, of which 44% comes from its construction, 1% from its installation on site, and 55% from its operation for 30 years.
These emissions could be reduced by 46% by powering the telescope with renewable energy, rather than the diesel generators currently installed on the island. Other ways to reduce environmental impacts include reducing the number of electronic components used in the camera, using more energy-efficient processes to manufacture the telescope, and using materials recycled.
Environmental impacts and their origin on the life cycle of the telescope installed on the island of La Palma. One Pt corresponds to the environmental impact of an average human over one year.
The study also reveals the importance of considering environmental impacts from the design phase of a telescope, and thus of adding environmental budgets to the project specifications.
References:
Assessment of the environmental impacts of the Cherenkov Telescope Array mid-sized telescope.
dos Santos Ilha, G., Boix, M., Knödlseder, J. et al.
Nat Astron (2024).
DOI: 10.1038/s41550-024-02326-4.
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#unexpected #source #greenhouse #gases #astronomical #telescopes
