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Source: The post is based on the article “Dark Sky Reserve:Ladakh will soon have South East Asia’s first Night Sky Sanctuary” published in “PIB” on 26th November 2023
Why in the News?
Ladakh will soon have South East Asia’s first Night Sky Sanctuary at Hanle.
What is a Dark Sky Reserve?
| Specifications | Details |
| What is it | A Dark Sky Reserve is public or private land with a distinguished nocturnal environment and starry nights that has been developed responsibly to prevent light pollution. |
| Designated by | International Dark Sky Association, U.S.-based non-profit designates a land as a Dark Sky Reserve |
| Categories of Designation | Five categories: International Dark Sky parks, communities, reserves, sanctuaries and Urban Night Sky Places. |
| Criteria | IDSA considers a piece of land suitable for dark sky place if: 1) It is a publicly or privately owned, protected for scientific, natural, educational, cultural, heritage and/or public enjoyment. 2) It is accessible to the public partially or entirely during the year. 3) The core area of the land provides an exceptional dark sky resource relative to the communities and cities that surround it. |
Where is India’s first Dark Sky Reserve being developed?
| Specifications | Details |
| Location | Hanle, Ladakh |
| Situated within | Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Situated near | Indian Astronomical Observatory, the second-highest optical telescope in the world, of Indian Institute of Astrophysics. |
| Purpose | To promote astronomy tourism in a sustainable and environment-friendly manner. |
| To be developed by | Ladakh administration will work with Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru. |
| Significance | 1) It will be South East Asia’s first Night Sky sanctuary. 2) It will boost Astro-tourism in India. 3) It will help in boosting local tourism and the economy. 4) Encourages and ensures the sustainability of dark skies conservation actions. |
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