Chile News

A new image from the Very Large Telescope (VLT) reveals a supermassive black hole in the spiral galaxy NGC 4945, located over 12 million light-years from Earth, actively ejecting powerful jets of material into interstellar space. According to the European Southern Observatory (ESO), this black hole is consuming large amounts of matter and producing galactic winds that scatter “scraps” of material throughout the cosmos. The VLT, situated in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile, provided detailed observations showing that the winds, represented as bright, cone-shaped jets, are moving at such high speeds that the gas and dust can escape the galaxy before being consumed. “This messy eater, contrary to a black hole's typical all-consuming reputation, is blowing out powerful winds of material,” ESO officials noted in their March 31 statement. This research, published in Nature Astronomy, sheds light on how such winds impact galaxy formation and evolution. The black hole's powerful jets may inhibit star formation by ejecting crucial materials, demonstrating that energetic black holes can influence their own growth by limiting the resources they consume.

A team of astronomers has identified a supermassive black hole located 12.9 billion light years away, dating back to a period when the universe was merely 800 million years old. Using the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) telescope in Chile, researchers detected radio signals from hot gas surrounding the black hole, revealing important insights into the early universe, according to a study published in Nature Astronomy. The black hole, named J231038.88+185519.7, is estimated to be 2 to 4 billion times the mass of the Sun. Researcher Takafumi Tsukui from the Australian National University stated, “This discovery will help us understand how black holes evolve into supermassive black holes from small seeds in the early universe." The findings suggest that many supermassive black holes lie hidden in gas and dust, and the radio signals detected by ALMA offer a new method to uncover these elusive cosmic giants. The study highlights the potential of targeting high-energy states of carbon monoxide to gain a clearer picture of black holes in the early universe.

A team of astronomers has recorded the hottest nova explosion ever observed, named LMCN 1968-12a, located in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way. This recurrent nova, first discovered in 1968, has been erupting approximately every four years, with the latest explosion occurring in August 2024. Findings were reported in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Utilizing the Magellan Baade and Gemini South telescopes in Chile, researchers conducted observations in near-infrared light shortly after the outburst. The results indicated that the expelled gas reached temperatures of 5.4 million degrees Fahrenheit, supported by a significant spike in ionized silicon brightness, which was 95 times greater than sunlight. This extreme heat and unique chemical composition suggest important differences from novas observed in the Milky Way. The astrophysical dynamics involved stem from the white dwarf's interaction with a red subgiant companion star, showing how low-metallicity environments influence nova activity, according to study co-author Sumner Starrfield from Arizona State University.

A massive power outage has left approximately 98% of households in Chile without electricity since Tuesday, prompting the government to declare a nationwide curfew from 10 PM to 6 AM. The curfew affects regions from Arica y Parinacota in the north to Los Lagos in the south, covering over 3,000 kilometers, according to the Interior Ministry. Interior Minister Carolina Tohá emphasized the government's primary concern for public safety, stating, “We want to ensure that no one takes advantage of the blackout to commit crimes.” To bolster security, 3,000 troops are being deployed in affected areas. The blackout was triggered by an unexpected failure of a high-voltage line in the Chico Norte region, as reported by the electrical regulatory authority. Humberto Verdejo, an engineer from the University of Santiago, described the incident as “an atypical system failure,” predicting that restoration of power could take an extended period due to the complexity of the issue. Major events, including Latin America's biggest music festival in Viña del Mar, have been disrupted, with plans for rescheduling performances.

Adrián Simancas, a 24-year-old kayaker, had a near-death experience on February 8 when he was briefly engulfed by a humpback whale in the Strait of Magellan, off the coast of Chilean Patagonia. Simancas described the moment to The Guardian, stating he "closed [his] eyes to brace for impact" but felt as if he were "in a whirlpool" before his life jacket pulled him back to the surface unharmed. The encounter, captured on a nearby camera, quickly went viral, prompting discussions on whale behavior. Marine biologist María José Pérez Álvarez from Universidad de Chile clarified that humpback whales feed on small prey and could not "devour" a human, as they lack teeth and have a small throat. She cautioned, however, that such interactions should be avoided due to potential risks from the whale's size. Kayaking expert Guillermo Meza warned that Simancas and his father were too close to the whale, emphasizing safety and legal regulations requiring a distance of at least 100 meters from marine mammals. Simancas now plans to take greater precautions during future expeditions.

In a surreal incident along the Strait of Magellan, Venezuelan kayaker Adrián Simancas, 23, was accidentally engulfed by a humpback whale while paddling with his father, Dell. As described to BBC Mundo, Simancas first noticed a "slimy texture" as he realized he was inside the whale's mouth. Miraculously, he was expelled moments later without injury. The encounter occurred near Eagle Bay, close to Punta Arenas, when Simancas felt a force pulling him, submerged briefly before surfacing. His father captured this extraordinary moment on camera. According to Brazilian conservationist Roched Jacobson Seba, humpback whales cannot swallow large objects, suggesting that Simancas was accidentally caught while the whale was feeding. The experience left Simancas contemplating his near-death ordeal, which he described as a "second chance." Seba emphasized the need for caution, advising that quieter vessels, such as kayaks and paddleboards, be avoided in areas frequented by whales to prevent such accidents. This remarkable incident highlights the close encounter humans can have with marine life, even in treacherous waters.

A kayaker in Chilean Patagonia had a terrifying moment when a humpback whale briefly trapped him in its mouth before releasing him unharmed. The incident occurred while 21-year-old Adrián Simancas was kayaking with his father, Dell Simancas, who captured the encounter on video. According to Adrián, he feared he had been swallowed by the massive creature. "I thought it had eaten me and swallowed me," he recounted after the ordeal. The incident highlights the sometimes unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters, particularly with large marine animals like humpback whales, which can reach lengths of up to 15 meters (49 feet). Officials remind ocean-goers to exercise caution and maintain a safe distance from marine wildlife. Thankfully, both the kayaker and the whale emerged from this encounter without injury, leaving the Simancas family with a remarkable story to tell. The video of the incident, which has garnered attention on social media, showcases the awe and danger of natural settings, reminding viewers of the respect they must extend to wildlife.

A Chilean kayaker had a miraculous escape after being swallowed and subsequently released by a humpback whale in the Strait of Magellan. Adrián Simancas, the kayaker involved, described the terrifying moment, saying, “I thought it had eaten me.” The incident was recorded by his father, who remained calm during the episode. Fortunately, both men survived and managed to safely reach shore, despite the initial chaos and fear that followed the encounter. According to the Associated Press, Simancas was kayaking with his father when a massive humpback whale unexpectedly engulfed him. He described the icy waters and the threat of hypothermia as he struggled to return to safety. “When I came up and started floating, I was scared that something might happen to my father too,” Simancas recalled. Typically, humpback whales are known to feed on small fish and krill and avoid human contact, which makes this encounter unusual. Thankfully, both kayakers emerged from the incident unharmed.

A dramatic incident off the coast of Chile’s Patagonia unfolded when a humpback whale briefly engulfed a kayaker before spitting him back out. The event took place last Saturday in Bahía El Águila, near the San Isidro Lighthouse, and was documented by the kayaker's father, Dell Simancas. Adrián Simancas, 24, reported feeling "terror" during the brief encounter and initially feared he was under attack by an orca. “I thought it had eaten me, that it had swallowed me,” he told the Associated Press. While such whale encounters are rare, the incident highlights growing concerns about whale safety in the region as collisions with cargo ships have reportedly increased in recent years. Fortunately, both Adrián and his father returned safely to shore shaken but unharmed. Following the incident, Adrián expressed concern not just for his own life but also for his father's safety in the chilly waters.

In a remarkable encounter in the Strait of Magellan, a 24-year-old man named Adrian Simancas was momentarily swallowed by a humpback whale while kayaking with his father near Punta Arenas, Chile. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, was captured on video by his father Dell, who mistook the approaching whale for waves before realizing the danger. Simancas described the experience to CNN, detailing how he felt a slimy texture on his face before being pulled underwater. "I thought it had already eaten me and swallowed me," he recounted. Miraculously, he surfaced unharmed within seconds, aided by his life vest. Both Simancas and his father managed to return safely to shore, and despite the terrifying experience, they expressed eagerness to kayak again in the future. This incident mirrors a similar occurrence in November 2020, when two kayakers in California were briefly swallowed by a humpback whale while observing the animals feeding. Officials remind recreational kayakers to remain vigilant in whale habitats to ensure their safety.

A remarkable incident in Chilean Patagonia saw a kayaker briefly trapped in the mouth of a humpback whale, but he emerged unscathed. Adrián Simancas was paddling with his father, Dell Simancas, when the massive whale surfaced unexpectedly, enveloping the young man and his kayak in a matter of seconds before releasing them. Dell captured the astonishing moment on video, urging his son to remain calm throughout the experience. "I thought it had eaten me and swallowed me," Adrián recalled, reflecting on the surreal encounter. According to reports, the incident highlights both the awe-inspiring nature of marine wildlife and the potential dangers faced by kayakers in open waters. Experts have noted that while whale encounters are rare, the animals are generally not aggressive toward humans. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for caution and respect for wildlife when engaging in outdoor activities. As marine ecosystems continue to face environmental pressures, encounters like this underscore the importance of conservation efforts.

In a remarkable incident, a kayaker from Chile was swallowed whole by a humpback whale while paddling in the Strait of Magellan but was later expelled unharmed, according to the Associated Press. Adrián Simancas, the kayaker, described the moment of being engulfed by the whale as terrifying, stating, "I thought it had eaten me." Simancas was kayaking with his father when the encounter occurred. After being spit out, he found himself in the chilly waters without his kayak, fearing for both his life and his father's safety. "When I came up and started floating, I was scared that something might happen to my father too," he said. The encounter, captured on film by Simancas's father, highlights the unpredictable nature of the Strait of Magellan, known for its challenging waters. Experts noted that while humpback whales are typically not aggressive toward humans, they usually feed on small fish and krill, an indication of their non-predatory behavior. Thanks to their swift response, both kayakers made it back to shore safely, a stark contrast to the anxious moments spent at sea.

In a remarkable incident in Bahía El Águila, near the San Isidro Lighthouse in Chile's Patagonia, a kayaker was briefly swallowed by a humpback whale but emerged unharmed. According to Adrián Simancas, who was kayaking with his father, the whale surfaced unexpectedly, engulfing both him and his yellow kayak for a few seconds before releasing him. The moment, recorded by his father Dell, quickly went viral online. "I thought I was dead," Adrián recounted to the Associated Press. His feelings of terror heightened when he resurfaced, fearing for his father's safety in the chilly waters. Despite the alarming experience, the duo managed to reach safety without injury. The Strait of Magellan, a major tourist destination renowned for its wildlife, poses risks for kayakers with its cold temperatures, ranging from 4 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius, even during the Southern Hemisphere's summer. While whale encounters are common, attacks on humans are extremely rare, with increasing concerns about whale fatalities due to cargo ship collisions in recent years.

The scientific community is sounding alarms over a proposed 3,000-hectare industrial power plant by AES Andes, located just seven miles from the Cerro Paranal Observatory in Chile's Atacama Desert. According to María Teresa Ruiz, a prominent astronomer, the facility threatens the region's renowned dark skies essential for astronomical research. The project, set to generate electricity using wind and solar energy while producing ammonia and green hydrogen, is slated to begin construction in 2032. Since its establishment in 1999, the Paranal Observatory has been pivotal in astronomical discoveries, housing the Very Large Telescope and soon the Extremely Large Telescope. The European Southern Observatory (ESO) has filed complaints, emphasizing that industrial activities could significantly increase light pollution, diminishing the area's dark sky quality from "excellent" to "rural" classification, as per their analysis. Chile's government has initiated discussions involving multiple ministries to find a balance between industrial development and the preservation of scientific research areas. Meanwhile, AES Andes has expressed willingness to engage with stakeholders during the environmental assessment process.

A proposed industrial mega-project in Chile could jeopardize the renowned Cerro Paranal Observatory, home to the Very Large Telescope, according to astronomers. The company AES Andes plans to develop a 3,000-hectare power generation plant, generating ammonia and green hydrogen, just seven miles from the observatory. Esteemed astronomer María Teresa Ruiz warned of potential light pollution and atmospheric disturbances that may arise from the project's construction, leading to adverse effects on astronomical research. The Atacama Desert, where the observatory is located, is known for its clear night skies, crucial for astronomical observations. The European Southern Observatory (ESO), which collaborates with the Chilean government, stated that the project could triple the sky brightness, significantly degrading observational conditions. ESO Director General Xavier Barcons emphasized that the construction could disrupt ongoing multi-million euro investments in astronomy. In response to the controversy, the Chilean government has convened discussions to balance energy development with the preservation of scientific areas. AES Andes has expressed willingness to engage in environmental dialogues but has refrained from commenting extensively.

The Cerro Paranal Observatory in Chile, renowned for its dark skies ideal for astronomical research, is under threat from a proposed industrial complex covering over 3,000 hectares. The project, planned by AES Andes, a subsidiary of the American firm AES Corporation, seeks to develop a power generation plant powered by wind and solar energy, generating ammonia and green hydrogen just seven miles from the observatory. According to astronomer María Teresa Ruiz, who highlighted the issue in a letter to El Mercurio, the project could significantly disrupt the area's minimal light pollution, which has attracted multinational investments in astronomy. ESO Director General Xavier Barcons warned that dust and light pollution from the construction would degrade the observatory's ability to conduct high-quality astronomical observations. The project, estimated to cost around $10 billion, raises concerns about increasing sky brightness and its impact on what is described as some of the world’s most pristine night skies, a sentiment echoed by multiple experts in the field. Discussions are ongoing among Chilean government officials and the scientific community regarding potential measures to address the situation.

The proposed construction of a 3,000-hectare industrial power plant by AES Andes, a subsidiary of the U.S.-based AES Corporation, has raised alarms about potential light pollution and disruption to one of the world’s premier astronomical sites: the Cerro Paranal Observatory in Chile's Atacama Desert. According to astronomer María Teresa Ruiz, who first alerted the public through a letter to El Mercurio, the project could jeopardize the exceptional darkness of the desert skies essential for astronomical observations. The energy facility, expected to generate power through wind and photovoltaic sources, is planned to begin operations by 2032 just seven miles from the telescopes of the observatory. The European Southern Observatory (ESO) warned that the construction and operational activities would severely impact the local atmosphere, potentially increasing sky brightness threefold, which would diminish its classification from “excellent dark sky” to “rural sky.” As discussions continue among Chile's government ministries to balance energy development with scientific preservation, ESA highlighted the urgency to protect this invaluable natural asset for the astronomical community.

The scientific community is sounding the alarm over a proposed industrial mega-project by AES Andes, a subsidiary of the American AES Corporation, located just seven miles from the Cerro Paranal Observatory in Chile's Atacama Desert. The plan involves a 3,000-hectare electric power plant aimed at producing ammonia and green hydrogen using wind and photovoltaic sources, with operations scheduled to begin in 2032, according to astronomer María Teresa Ruiz, who highlighted the potential destruction of the area's dark skies in a letter to El Mercurio. The Atacama Desert is renowned for its exceptionally dark and clear skies, essential for astronomical observations. The European Southern Observatory (ESO), which has partnered with Chilean authorities since 1963, warns that the project threatens to significantly increase sky brightness, potentially downgrading the area’s observational quality from “excellent dark sky” to “rural sky.” ESO Director General Xavier Barcons emphasized the substantial risks, including dust emissions and light pollution, which could severely impact scientific work. Chilean government officials have convened a roundtable to explore ways to balance energy development with astronomical preservation, while AES Andes claims it is open to collaboration during the environmental review process.

Astronomers have revealed new insights into how the universe's most massive black holes maintain themselves by utilizing surrounding gas. Conducted by a team led by Valeria Olivares from the University of Santiago de Chile, the research utilized data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Very Large Telescope in Chile to study seven galaxy clusters. The findings demonstrate that black hole outbursts activate a self-sustaining feeding process. When these black holes consume surrounding gas, they release powerful jets that cool the gas, leading to the formation of narrow filaments of warm gas. These processes are visibly represented in the Perseus and Centaurus galaxy clusters, where glowing filaments and colorful gas aesthetics illustrate this mechanism. The study found a correlation between the brightness of hot gas and warm gas in these clusters, indicating that when hot gas shines brighter, it enhances the glow of the warm gas, thus confirming the feeding cycle of black holes. This cyclical feeding not only fuels more outbursts but also connects phenomena observable in different cosmic structures, such as the tails of "jellyfish galaxies." The research highlights the collaboration of experts from various countries, including the US, Australia, Canada, and Italy, showcasing the integration of advanced astronomical tools to deepen our understanding of the universe's workings.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric has embarked on a groundbreaking journey to the South Pole, marking him as the first Latin American leader to visit this remote location. The trip, which took place on January 4, 2025, serves to reinforce Chile’s claim to sovereignty over its section of Antarctica. Boric described the visit as a significant milestone in Chile's Antarctic mission. Accompanied by his defense and environment ministers, along with military officials, Boric arrived at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station—an American research facility—at 8 pm GMT. He is scheduled to spend approximately two hours at the station during this notable visit. The trip underscores Chile's commitment to expanding its scientific efforts in Antarctica, particularly in the Bellingshausen and Weddell Seas, areas previously underexplored by the country. Historically, territorial claims in Antarctica have been contentious, with several nations, including Chile, asserting their rights despite a lack of international recognition for such claims. Boric began his journey from Punta Arenas, Chile, and reached the Antarctic region via a Hercules C-130 military transport plane. His administration views this expedition as a pivotal moment for Chile’s scientific ambitions in a region governed by the Antarctic Treaty since 1961, aimed at fostering cooperation and limiting geopolitical conflicts.