2025/12/11 by Laurane Fréour, Fréour, Laurane, Mathilde Bouvier +18
Physics and Astronomy · Social Sciences · #Astronomy and Astrophysical Research #Conferences and Exhibitions Management #FOS: Physical sciences #Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics (astro-ph.IM) #Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2512.10902
openalex publication_date 2025/12/11 · openalex created_date 2025/12/13 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Astronomy is the study of the Universe and all the objects that it comprises. Our attention is therefore usually focused beyond Earth, home to the only form of life known today. However, how can we continue to explore the secrets of the Universe, if we stand by and watch our only home burn? We know that there is no Planet B. It is therefore urgent that, as astronomers, we collectively work to protect the Earth, allowing future generations the opportunity to continue to uncover the secrets of the cosmos. As astronomical facilities account for the majority of our community's carbon footprint, we propose guidelines that we hold crucial for the European Southern Observatory (ESO) to consider in the context of the Expanding Horizons programme as it plans a next-generation, transformational facility.