Why is it in the news?
- Ladakh is set to host South East Asia’s inaugural Night Sky Sanctuary at Hanle, promoting the preservation of pristine night skies and astronomical observations.
| About Dark Sky Reserve
· A Dark Sky Reserve is public or private land recognized for its distinguished nocturnal environment and starry nights, developed responsibly to prevent light pollution. · Designated by the International Dark Sky Association (IDSA), a U.S.-based non-profit organization. · Its five categories include International Dark Sky parks, communities, reserves, sanctuaries, and Urban Night Sky Places.
Criteria for Designation · Public or privately owned, protected for scientific, natural, educational, cultural, heritage, and/or public enjoyment. · Accessible to the public partially or entirely during the year. · The core area of the land provides an exceptional dark sky resource relative to surrounding communities and cities. |
India’s First Dark Sky Reserve
- Location: Hanle, Ladakh.
- Situated within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Adjacent to the Indian Astronomical Observatory, the second-highest optical telescope globally, operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.
- To promote astronomy tourism in a sustainable and environment-friendly manner.
- To be developed collaboratively by the Ladakh administration, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) from Bengaluru.
Significance
- South East Asia’s first Night Sky Sanctuary.
- Expected to boost astro-tourism in India.
- Encourages and ensures the sustainability of dark skies conservation actions.
