Tuesday 25 February 2025 
BY: Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS- The Indian embassy in Algeria has announced a significant milestone in astrophysics and astro-tourism with the upcoming formal inauguration of South East Asia’s first Night Sky Sanctuary in Ladakh. Located in Hanle village, Eastern Ladakh, the sanctuary is poised to enhance India’s capabilities in both astrophysics research and astro-tourism.
Covering an expansive 1,073 square kilometers within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary and in proximity to the Indian Astronomical Observatory at Hanle, the Night Sky Sanctuary will house optical, infra-red, and gamma-ray telescopes. Positioned at an elevation of 4,500 meters, it stands as one of the highest sites globally for such scientific research.
The project is a collaborative effort led by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics based in Bengaluru, in partnership with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh and the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh. This initiative highlights the institute’s commitment to advancing India’s research in astronomy and its exploration of remote regions.
Designed to captivate stargazers and researchers alike, the Dark Sky Reserve aims to leverage astro-tourism to boost the local economy and attract enthusiasts from around the world. Beyond its scientific significance, the project also seeks to minimize light pollution, contribute to wildlife conservation, and raise community awareness in astronomy and environmental protection.
The announcement of the Night Sky Sanctuary coincided with the fourth anniversary of Ladakh’s establishment as a Union Territory, celebrated through the ‘Ladakh’s Pride’ exhibition. This event showcased the cultural richness of the region, featuring Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products such as Seabuckthorn and Pashmina wool, emphasizing Ladakh’s potential as a premier tourist destination.
In conclusion, the forthcoming Night Sky Sanctuary in Ladakh signifies a remarkable advancement in India’s space science and exploration journey. It is poised to position the country as a prominent destination in global astro-tourism and scientific research, aligning with the government’s focus on enhancing scientific research and tourism in the Ladakh region.
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Recently honored with the Media Leadership Award from the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the landscape of Algerian digital news, maintaining a position of influence and impact in the media industry.