A LEAP IN ASTROPHYSICS AND ASTRO-TOURISM

Ladakh is home to Southeast Asia’s first Night Sky Sanctuary

India is marking its place in the universe with the first Night Sky Sanctuary in Southeast Asia opening soon in Ladakh, known as the highest plateau in India. The sanctuary — located in Hanle Village, Eastern Ladakh — is an initiative enhancing India’s capabilities in both astrophysics and astrotourism.

The reserve, spanning 1,073 square kilometers within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary and near the Indian Astronomical Observatory at Hanle, will feature facilities for optical, infra-red, and gamma-ray telescopes. It is strategically located at an elevation of 4,500 meters, making it one of the highest sites for scientific research worldwide. This sanctuary is designed to captivate stargazers and researchers alike.

Bengaluru-based Indian Institute of Astrophysics — in collaboration with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh and the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh — spearheads this project. The institute’s involvement underlines its role in advancing India’s research in astronomy and its commitment to exploring remote regions.

The dark sky reserve aims to boost local tourism and the economy by attracting astro-tourists and enhancing scientific knowledge. The project, which also intends to minimize light pollution, will contribute to wildlife conservation and community awareness in astronomy and environmental protection. This project also demonstrates the government’s focus on enhancing scientific research and tourism in Ladakh.

The Night Sky Sanctuary announcement coincided with the fourth anniversary of Ladakh’s establishment as a Union Territory, marked by the Ladakh Pride exhibition. This event showcased the region’s cultural wealth, including GI-tagged products like Sea Buckthorn and Pashmina Wool, emphasizing Ladakh’s potential as a prime tourist destination.

The soon-to-open Night Sky Sanctuary in Ladakh marks a remarkable step in India’s journey in space science and exploration, set to position the country as a prominent destination in global astrotourism and scientific research.