Indian Astronomical Observatory

In News

• India’s first dark sky reserve is set to come up in Hanle, Ladakh, by the end of the year.

About Indian Astronomical Observatory

• Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) is one of the world’s highest observatories. 
• It is located at a height of 14.8k feet in Hanle, Ladakh.
  • It will come up within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. 
  • Ladakh is also ideal for long-term observatories and dark-sky sites because of its large arid area, high elevation, and sparse population. 
  • The Department of Science and Technology and Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru is providing support for the facility.

How many such reserves exist in the world?

• A dark sky reserve is only one of the designations given by the IDSA, others being international dark sky parks, communities, reserves, sanctuaries, and urban night sky places. 
• At present, there are 20 dark sky reserves around the world, seven in the United Kingdom; four in France; two each in the USA and Germany; and one each in New Zealand, Canada, Namibia, and Australia.

What is a Dark Sky Reserve?

• The International Dark Sky Association (IDSA) defines an international dark sky reserve (IDSR) as a public or private land of substantial size (at least 700 km², or about 173,000 acres) possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment, and that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment. 
• A dark sky reserve requires a “core” area that has a clear sky without any light pollution, which can enable telescopes to see the sky in its natural darkness.
• To support the core, it should be surrounded by a “peripheral” or “buffer” area that supports dark sky values in the core while receiving the same benefits.

Source: TH