Past Events - Indian Institute of Astrophysics

2nd Hanle Dark Sky Reserve Star Party, Sept. - Oct. 2024

The second Star Party at the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve for expert astrophotographers and amateur astronomers was organised from 29 September to 4 October 2024. This event, which was attended by more than 45 astronomy enthusiasts from across the country, was organised by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in collaboration with Dthe epartment of Wildlife Protection of UT Ladakh, and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).

Some highlights from this event include the release of the “The Seven Wonders of the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve Night Skies” booklet, a day-long preparatory workshop at Leh, and demonstrations and master classes on advanced techniques.

Conference on Astro-Tourism and Astro-Entrepreneurship in India

Astro-tourism is becoming increasingly popular in India and globally, and along with its objective of popularising the night sky with tourists, many such initiatives also serve to further the socio-economic development of local communities residing in dark sky locations. The first officially notified dark sky region in India, which also follows such a model, is the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve centred around the IIA's Indian Astronomical Observatory, which was notified in December 2022.

There is an increasing awareness by many amateur astronomy groups as well as governmental organisations that there is substantial potential for the development of Astro Tourism in various parts of the country. Hence, there is a need for collaboration and coordination among various astro-tourism initiatives. This involves sharing experiences and mutual learnings, developing training workshops for prospective astro-tourism guides, establishment of standardised practices, etc.

Over the past decade, In addition to astro-tourism, many amateur astronomers in India have grown to become 'astro-entrepreneurs', and organise astronomy events for schools and for the public for a fee. Some of them practise cross-subsidy models which enables them to conduct some events without charges as well. In addition, India also has a large number of science communication groups who have been carrying out astronomy outreach on a voluntary basis for a few decades. With increasing interest in astronomy activities among schools across the country, there is a need to bring stakeholders together to discuss the various issues involved, viz., supporting voluntary efforts as well as individual start-ups, different financial models, reaching under-represented groups and under-funded schools, etc.

HDSR Star Party 2023

In one of its kind events, Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) organised the first official star party for experienced amateur astronomers/astrophotographers at Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR) from October 12-15, 2024.. About 30 amateur astronomers from various parts of India participated in the event, enjoying the pristine skies free from light pollution and capturing faint celestial objects through telescopes and cameras. Participants from various Indian cities brought their own equipment to document celestial phenomena like the False Dawn and Zodiacal Light, unique to Hanle's darkness The event also served as a learning platform for local Astronomy Ambassadors, enhancing their ability to guide tourists interested in stargazing. Plans are underway to establish the HDSR Star Party as an annual event, fostering a vibrant community of astronomy enthusiasts both domestically and internationally.

Hanle, home to IIA's Indian Astronomical Observatory, offers dark skies that are perfect for astronomical observation, drawing the interest of both amateur enthusiasts and professional astronomers alike.The HDSR, recently designated by the UT Ladakh, aims to preserve the darkness for astronomical research while promoting tourism and socio-economic development in the local villages.

Ladakh Nomadic Festival at Hanle

The Union Territory of Ladakh, along with the LAHDC Leh, and the Cultural Department of Ladakh organized a 2-day Nomadic Festival, a place for the nomadic tribes to get together in the village of Hanle, Ladakh. The festival was organized at Hanle’s common grounds, overseeing beautiful scenery surrounded by mountains on all sides, one of which housed the telescopes of IAO, a place known to almost all the locals and tourists alike.

The Indian Institute of Astrophysics, in collaboration with the staff of the Indian Astronomical Observatory, set up a stall at this festival. The festival was organized over the weekend of 15th and 16th July, 2023. The stall was locally set up by the staff of IAO (IIA), which includes Dorje Angchuk, Tsewang Stanzin, Sonam Jorphail, Nawang Dorji (TIFR), Namgyal, and several Astro-Ambassadors from the nearby villages. Representing the headquarters in Bengaluru, Dr. Niruj Mohan Ramanujam and Vikranth Pulamathi attended this festival as well. Further information about the festival and IAO's involvement can be found in the report. More images of the festival can be found in the gallery section.

Telescope Distribution

Through the MoU that was signed between the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, UT Ladakh, and LAHDC Leh, 18 telescopes have been purchased and have been handed over to the community. About 24 youngsters with no prior exposure to astronomy from the nearby villages have been identified, and each of them was given 8-inch telescopes, funded by UT Ladakh. They were then trained in basic astronomy concepts, objects in the night sky, and the operation of these telescopes, and how to become astro-tourism guides.