Important Facts For Prelims
Night Sky Sanctuary in Ladakh
- 29 Nov 2023
- 3 min read
Why in News?
The Government of India, recently announced the upcoming establishment of South East Asia's first Night Sky Sanctuary in Ladakh.
What are the Key Points Related to Night Sky Sanctuary in Ladakh?
- It will be located at Hanle village in Eastern Ladakh as a part of Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary.
- It is being set up with the help of Indian Institute of Astrophysics Bengaluru, which is affiliated to the Department of Science & Technology, Govt of India.
- Spread over 1,073 square kilometers, it is adjacent to the Indian Astronomical Observatory, the second-highest optical telescope in the world.
- It will boost Astro-tourism in India and will be one of the world’s highest-located sites for optical, infra-red, and gamma-ray telescopes.
What are the Major Types of Dark Sky Places?
- The International Dark Sky Association, a U.S.-based non-profit, designates places as International Dark Sky Places, Parks, Sanctuaries and Reserves, depending on the criteria they meet:
- Dark Sky Parks: These are conservation areas, publicly or privately owned, that implement effective outdoor lighting practices and offer programs centered around experiencing dark skies.
- Dark Sky Sanctuaries: These are extremely remote and often the darkest places on Earth. They require stringent conservation measures due to their fragile state.
- Dark Sky Reserves: These reserves have a defined dark "core" zone surrounded by populated areas. Policies are implemented to safeguard the darkness of the core zone while accommodating nearby communities.
- Urban Night Sky Places: These urban sites strive to provide an authentic night time experience despite significant artificial light. Here focus is on creating environments where people can still appreciate the night sky.
- Dark Sky Communities: Cities and towns recognized for their quality outdoor lighting ordinances and efforts to educate residents about the significance of preserving dark skies.
What Makes Ladakh a Suitable Site for Night Sky Sanctuary?
- Ladakh's high elevation, cold desert terrain, and sparse population, situated at approximately 3,000 meters above sea level, create an ideal environment for astronomical observatories.
- Also, the absence of extensive urban areas preserve the natural darkness in Ladakh and contributes to minimal Light Pollution, fostering ideal conditions for Night Sky Sanctuary.
