Leading scientists from around the world have called on the Chilean government to protect the dark skies over the Paranal Observatory in the Atacama Desert, which are threatened by a mega construction project.

The European Southern Observatory (ESO) reported on Tuesday it had alerted the government in a letter about the impact of plans by a private company to build a giant renewable energy complex measuring over 3,000 hectares a few miles (kilometres) from the observatory.

The letter was signed by some 30 renowned international astronomers, including at least one Nobel laureate.

In the letter, they point out that the Atacama, in northern Chile, “is the best place on the planet" for astronomy, because of the lack of light pollution, its high altitude above the clouds, and its dry climate.

It provides an “irreplaceable scientific resource" for astronomers to expand humanity’s knowledge of the universe, they added.

The observatory, which is operated by the international ESO consortium, is one of several astronomical observatories located in northern Chile, and it houses some of the most advanced telescopes currently in operation.

According to a study by ESO, the construction of the megaproject would increase light pollution by at least 35%.

It said it would cause a series of impacts, from the generation of micro-vibrations that will possibly prevent the operation of some of the astronomical facilities to an increase in atmospheric turbulence.

The scientists added to a chorus of voices urging the Chilean government to choose somewhere else in the country to manufacture hydrogen-based fuels.

Daniela González, of the not-for-profit Skies of Chile foundation, says letting the project go ahead would be "devastating", adding that there simply was "not possible" to have any mitigating circumstances.

The Associated Press requested a comment from the Science Ministry but has not yet received a response.

Chile currently accounts for about 40% of the world’s astronomical observation capacity and, by 2030, it is expected to exceed 60% of that capacity.