Ladakh to have India’s first ‘Dark Sky Reserve’ to promote astronomy tourism

Source: The post is based on the article “Ladakh to have India’s first ‘Dark Sky Reserve’ to promote astronomy tourism” published in Indian Express on 6th September 2022

What is the News?

By the end of 2022, India will establish the country’s first Dark Sky Reserve in Hanle, Ladakh.

What is Dark Sky Reserve?

Dark Sky Reserve is a public or private land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural, heritage and/or public enjoyment. 

Reserves consist of a core area meeting minimum criteria for sky quality and natural darkness and a peripheral area that supports dark sky preservation in the core. 

How does a site become a ‘Dark Sky Reserve’?

Individuals or groups can nominate a site for certification to the International Dark Sky Association (IDSA), a United States-based non-profit organization incorporated in 1988.

There are five designated categories namely International Dark Sky parks, communities, reserves, sanctuaries and Urban Night Sky Places.

The certification process is similar to that of a site being awarded the UNESCO World Heritage Site tag or getting recognised as a Biosphere Reserve. 

Between 2001 and January 2022, there have been 195 sites recognised as International Dark Sky Places globally.

What are the criteria for becoming a dark sky reserve?

The IDSA considers a piece of land suitable for dark sky place only if 1) It is either publicly or privately owned, 2) It is accessible to the public partially or entirely during the year, 3) The land is legally protected for scientific, natural, educational, cultural, heritage and/or public enjoyment purposes, 4) The core area of the land provides an exceptional dark sky resource relative to the communities and 5) Cities that surround it and the land offers prescribed night sky brightness either for a reserve, park or sanctuary.