From September 29 to October 4, 2024, the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve hosted the second Star Party, uniting expert astro-photographers and amateur astronomers. Organized by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Protection of UT Ladakh and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), the event attracted over 45 astronomy enthusiasts nationwide. Hanle, renowned for having India’s darkest skies, was designated a Dark Sky Reserve in December 2022 and has since become an astro-tourism hub. IIA Director Annapurni Subramaniam emphasized Hanle’s significance as an astronomical site and its socio-economic development efforts, including empowering local villagers as Astronomy Ambassadors.
Participants selected from a pool of 200 registered individuals traveled from across India, braving Hanle’s cold with telescopes and cameras to observe faint celestial objects. The event featured the unveiling of the “Seven Wonders of the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve Night Sky,” curated by renowned astro-photographers Ajay and Neelam Talwar. Notable activities included workshops, lectures, and an Open Night on October 2, drawing 450 tourists who learned from HDSR Astronomy Ambassadors.
The Star Party highlighted the integral role of the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve in fostering community engagement and astro-tourism while showcasing the enthusiasm of India’s astronomy community. Participants esteemed it for its visual observation opportunities and educational prospects, reflecting the ongoing commitment to preserving Hanle’s unique astronomical environment.
Original Story https://dst.gov.in/second-hanle-dark-sky-reserve-star-party-observed-ladakh
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