Hanle Dark Sky Reserve celebrates its first star party

Leh, October 20,2023: The first official star party for experienced amateur astronomers was organised by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in collaboration with Department of Wildlife Protection, UT Ladakh at Hanle Dark Sky Reserve in eastern Ladakh, from October 12-15. 

Hanle is home to IIA’s Indian Astronomical Observatory and hosts many professional telescopes due to its dark skies and dry weather. About 30 amateur astronomers travelled to Hanle with their telescopes and camer...

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Ladakh Welcomes Night Stay for Foreign Tourists at Hanley and Expands Tourism in Martsemik and Sko Valley

VoL Desk, Sep. 28: In a significant move to boost astro-tourism and expand tourism opportunities, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, has approved proposals put forth by the Tourism Department of the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh. These developments mark a promising stride in enhancing Ladakh’s appeal as a unique and enchanting tourist destination.

Night Stay for Foreign Tourists at Hanley Village

Ladakh has long been renowned for its celestial wonders, and the pi...

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Rare aurora dazzles Ladakh skies as intense geomagnetic storm hits Earth

Kargil, May 02: The Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) in Hanle, Ladakh, has photographed a spectacular display of aurora lights. The aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, are a natural phenomenon that can be observed at higher altitudes in places like Iceland and Norway.

The recent capture of auroras in India, on the other hand, was caused by a severe geomagnetic storm that hit Earth on 21 April. This event caused fascinating auroras in many parts of the planet, incl...

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