Daily News Analysis ‘Hanle Dark Sky Reserve’ : 27 October

• A Dark Sky Reserve is an area recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) where the quality of the night sky and the natural nocturnal environment are protected.
• It typically consists of a core area (with minimal light pollution) surrounded by a buffer zone (where lighting is managed to protect the core).
• Such reserves encourage sustainable lighting practices, awareness of light pollution, and protection of nocturnal ecosystems.

Objectives:

• To protect the natural night environment from light pollution.
• To promote astronomical research and education.
• To encourage astro-tourism and community involvement.
• To conserve nocturnal wildlife and improve human health by maintaining natural light cycles.

• Hanle, a small village in Ladakh, has one of the darkest skies globally.
• The area is now India’s first dark sky reserve, protected to reduce light pollution.

• Hanle Dark Sky Reserve is managed through an MoU between:
  • Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru
  • Union Territory of Ladakh
  • Ladakh Hill Development Council, Leh
• The reserve lies within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary and surrounds the Indian Astronomical Observatory.

• Optical telescopes: Himalayan Chandra Telescope, GROWTH India Telescope
• Cherenkov telescopes: High Altitude Gamma-Ray Telescope Array, Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment

•  Hanle Dark Sky Reserve has emerged as India’s first government-protected dark sky reserve, promoting astronomy, astrotourism, and sustainable local development.