South East Asia’s First Night Sky Sanctuary:
The Government of India, recently announced the upcoming establishment of South East Asia’s first Night Sky Sanctuary in Ladakh.
- Night Sky Sanctuary in Ladakh 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.
- 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
