The Government of India has unveiled plans to establish South East Asia’s inaugural Night Sky Sanctuary in Ladakh, marking a significant milestone in astro-tourism. This venture aligns with efforts to preserve the dark skies and develop an authentic nighttime experience for visitors and residents alike in the region.
Night Sky Sanctuary in Ladakh: Key Points
The anticipated Night Sky Sanctuary will find its home at Hanle village in Eastern Ladakh, nestled within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. The Indian Institute of Astrophysics Bengaluru, an institution under the Department of Science & Technology, Govt of India, is playing an instrumental role in setting up this sanctuary.
The sanctuary will encompass an impressive area of 1,073 square kilometers, situated adjacent to the Indian Astronomical Observatory. This observatory holds the distinction of being the world’s second-highest optical telescope, further adding to the locale’s appeal.
The establishment of the Night Sky Sanctuary will provide an immense thrust to India’s Astro-tourism industry, as the sanctuary will count among one of the earth’s highest elevated sites for optical, infra-red, and gamma-ray telescopes.
Different Types of Dark Sky Places
There are distinct classifications for Dark Sky areas, determined by the U.S-based non-profit organisation, the International Dark Sky Association. These include International Dark Sky Places, Parks, Sanctuaries, Reserves, and Communities. Each category adheres to specific criteria:
– Dark Sky Parks are conservation territories that may be public or private. They implement effective outdoor lighting practices and offer programs centered on experiencing dark skies.
– Dark Sky Sanctuaries are often the most remote and darkest locales globally. They necessitate stringent conservation measures due to their fragile state.
– Dark Sky Reserves have a defined dark core zone that is surrounded by populated regions. Policies are formulated and deployed to safeguard the dark core’s integrity, all the while accommodating nearby communities.
– Urban Night Sky Places are urban regions that aim to deliver an authentic night-time experience, notwithstanding the presence of significant artificial light. The focus here is on devising environments where people can still appreciate the night sky.
– Dark Sky Communities are townships and cities acknowledged for their superior outdoor lighting ordinances and initiatives to educate residents about the importance of preserving dark skies.
Ladakh: A Perfect Fit for Night Sky Sanctuary
What makes Ladakh an ideal location for the Night Sky Sanctuary is its unique combination of geographical features and environmental conditions. Given its high elevation, sparse population, and cold desert terrain, Ladakh sits approximately 3,000 meters above sea level, making it a perfect spot for astronomical observatories.
Moreover, the scant presence of urban areas helps maintain the region’s natural darkness and keeps Light Pollution to a minimum. These factors collectively create prime conditions for the establishment of the Night Sky Sanctuary.
