| Name: | Dorje Angchuk |
| Affiliation: | IIA |
| Conference ID : | ASI2024_638 |
| Title : | Hanle Dark Sky Reserve: Odyssey to the dark skies and challenges |
| Authors : | Dorje Angchuk¹, Niruj M Ramanujam¹, Tashi Thsering¹, Sonam Jorphail¹, Tsewang Gyalson¹, Padma Dorje¹, Tsewang Stanzin¹, Stanzin Norlha², Nawang Dorji³, Vikrant Pulamathi¹, Annapurni Subramaniam¹ |
| Authors Affiliation: | 1. Indian Institute of Astrophysics
2. BARC Mumbai
3. TIFR Mumbai |
| Mode of Presentation: | Oral |
| Abstract Category : | Education, Outreach and Heritage |
| Abstract : | The Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR) was notified as India’s first Official Dark sky Reserve in December 2023 through a gazette notification issued by the Administration of UT of Ladakh. Here I will describe the operational principles of HDSR, its unique features and the plans for the near future.
HDSR, a region of radius 22 km centered around our observatory, has one of the darkest skies, though light pollution is increasing slowly. Hence, setting up of HDSR will help reduce light pollution through its Light Management Plan. This LMP has been adopted by the UT Ladakh government & the local villagers, and will be enforced for all tourists.
In return, HDSR is being promoted as the prime destination for astro-tourism, which will bring socio-economic development to the region. 24 Astronomy-Ambassadors have been provided telescope and are trained to showcase the night sky.
To promote HDSR, we organized it's first Star party in October 2023 which was attended by many amateur astronomer across India, leading to number of iconic astro-photographs( which will be showcased at the ASI for participants to enjoy). We intent to make it an annual event hereafter.
Future Activities
The HDSR partners are building appropriate Astro-tourism infrastructures. We have also procured 8 nos of telescope in different parts of Ladakh. IIA has also started astronomy education aspects and will be conducting the first certification course in astro-tourism. Cultural astronomy will be an integral part of astro-tourism as the community around the observatory are from a nomadic pastoral community.
Astronomy communities can help in creating awareness about dark skies and citizen science projects that engage local communities and visitors in meaningful astronomical research. This will not only educate the public but also foster a sense of ownership of the skies and responsibilities for dark sky preservation.
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