New Delhi: The country's first-ever night sky sanctuary' will come up in Ladakh soon. The department of science and technology has undertaken this first-of-its-kind project where a dark sky reserve will be set up in La Ladakh's Hanle as part of the Changthang wildlife sanctuary in the next three months.
It will boost Astro tourism ( travel to remote locations for unpolluted views of the cosmos) in India and will be one of the world's highest-located sites for optical, infrared, and gamma-ray telescopes A dark sky or night sky sanctuary is public or private land that has an exceptional or distinguished quality ty of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural or educational value, its cultural heritage and pub Licenjoyment Science and technology minister Jitendra Singh made the announcement for At story complex the night sky sanctuary recently after meeting Ladakh LtGovernor RK Mathur, who called on him in Delhi last Saturday. The minister said that Hanle has been chosen for the project as it is located in Ladakh's cold desert region, it is away from any form of human disturbance and has clear sky conditions and dry weather conditions that exist throughout the year.
At a height of 4,500 m. Hanle is already home to an optical, a gamma ray and an infrared telescope at the Indi an Astronomical Observatory complex operated by the IIA. These telescopes have been used to study stars, galaxies, exoplanets and the evolution of our universe. Singh informed that a tripartite MoU was recently signed among the UT administration, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh, and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics ( IIA ) for launching the dark space reserve.
He said the site will have activities to help boost local tourism and the economy through interventions of science and technology.
The minister said all stakeholders will jointly work towards the preservation of the night sky from unwanted light pollution and illumination, which is a serious threat to scientific observations and natural sky conditions.
There are approximately 15 certified international dark sky sanctuaries across the world. Some of the prominent ones include Kalahari Heritage Park in South Africa, Great Barrier Island in New Zealand, Black Gap Wildlife Management Area in the US, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness ( US ), Cosmic Campground ( US ) , Devils River State Natural Area - Del Norte Unit and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument ( US ).
