India to get its first Dark Sky Reserve in Ladakh

Watch out for astro-tourism, for it is going to come in big and real soon.
A tripartite agreement was signed between the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, the Ladakh Union Territory Administration, and Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council in order to form India’s first ever Dark Sky Reserve at Hanle in Ladakh.


The area falls under the very beautiful and pristine Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary.

Though this is not the first time that science will contribute towards tourism, nor it is the first time for astronomy-tourism in India (check out Jantar Mantar Jaipur), this concept of a dark sky reserve is surely a first for India. And definitely a first for the region of Ladakh.


The idea is to boost local tourism through science and in the process, we will be able to learn a whole lot about astronomical observations.


Hanle is definitely a good choice for this project because of the location as well as the pristine environmental conditions. Hanle enjoys cloudless nights most months of the year, making it an excellent destination for stargazing, a hobby that is quickly turning out to be a very popular adventure activity.



What helps is that Hanle is already home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory, run by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru.


The main objective behind Hanle Dark Sky Reserve is to preserve the night sky from light pollution and illumination. Not many will be aware of the fact that these factors are some of the major hindrances researchers face while making scientific observations.


There will be some strict guidelines for the locals and the tourists, who are in the area to follow once the reserve is officially announced. Some of the regulations include impositions on outdoor lighting and high beam vehicle headlights, two most common sources of light pollution.


The local community will also receive training in regards to astro-tourism activities. Hanle Observatory visitor centre will be a one-stop-shop where one can have community-tourist-scientist interaction.

1. Is astro-tourism big in India?
   Yes, India already has pristine places high up in the hills where stargazing is one of the most sought-after activities. Recently, Rajasthan has also announced its astro tourism plans. Many other states like Sikkim, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are home to some of the best places to do stargazing in India.
2. Why is Hanle important?
   Hanle is home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory, one of the world's highest-located sites for optical, infrared and gamma-ray telescopes.
3. Is the Indian Astronomical Observatory open to the public?
   No, the Indian Astronomical Observatory is not open to the public, but the new Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, which will soon get set up, will have facilities where tourists can interact with the scientists and learn about astronomy.