Leh: A part of at Hanle in Ladakh is all set to become India’s first Dark Sky Reserve. The site will also promote astronomy-tourism, giving a boost to local tourism through science.
A historic tripartite MoU was signed between the Ladakh Administration, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics on Thursday for setting up the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve as a part of the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary.
Being a cold desert region, Ladakh holds great potential for undertaking uninterrupted astronomical observations. At a height of 4,500 metres, Hanle is already home to optical, gamma ray and infrared telescopes at the Indian Astronomical Observatory complex operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru. These telescopes are in use for studying stars, galaxies, exoplanets and the evolution of our universe. Hanle is pristine for the dry weather for most months of the year, remains cloudless during nights and offers dark skies – making it a perfect natural setup for sky gazing.
@lg_ladakh expressed gratitude to Director @IIABengaluru Prof Annapurni @fiddlingstars & IIA Hanle Er Dorje Angchok @dorje1974 for their relentless efforts; also stated that without the support of the elected representatives, the project would not have reached this crucial phase. pic.twitter.com/iTWUbpmuua
— Office of the Lt. Governor, Ladakh (@lg_ladakh) June 16, 2022
