astronomical observations

This Royal Decree aims at establishing a natural reserve, named Western Hajar Starlight Reserve, in the Governorate of Dakhiliyah.

One of the Act's objectives is to regulate activities which cause or could cause light pollution or radio frequency interference or interfere in any other way with astronomy and related scientific endeavours in those areas. Light pollution is defined as any effect from artificially created or harnessed light that is visible to the naked eye or can be detected with astronomical instrumentation at night, such as sky glow, glare, light trespass and light clutter, which impacts on astronomy, and includes the effect of street lighting, outdoor security lights, laser promotional lights or self-lit billboards. This Act indicates possibilities of prohibitions or restrictions on activities which may cause light pollution.

This Decree declared important astronomical areas in the regions of Antofagasta, Atacama and Coquimbo and protected the dark skies above 39 communes in these regions.