Protection of Northern Chile as an ICOMOS/IAU "window to the Universe"

Abstract

Over the last two decades, La Serena's population has increased by about 70 percent. A site description of the AURA Observatory in Chile as a "Window to the Universe" is now available on the recently-launched UNESCO-IAU Astronomical Heritage Web Portal, www.astronomicalheritage.net This can serve as an example of possible material for the Chilean authorities, should they wish to propose the dark skies over much of northern Chile for protection as a World Scientific Heritage site. Some of the steps involved are discussed briefly here.