Red aurora illuminates Ladakh’s night sky; Hanle observatory captures spectacle

This is not the first time the Hanle observatory has documented such a mesmerising occurrence. On April 23, another aurora graced the skies, marking a noteworthy addition to India’s celestial record.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by INDIAPICTURES (@indiapictures)

The observatory’s significance lies in its status as India’s sole dark sky reserve. Located in a region where efforts are actively made to minimise light pollution, Hanle provides an ideal setting for observing celestial phenomena such as auroras.

The dark sky reserve offers unparalleled views of the night sky, showcasing a celestial panorama that includes the Milky Way and various constellations. The conservation efforts in Ladakh aim to protect the natural darkness of the night sky, promoting astronomy, astrotourism, and environmental awareness.

Instagram users were stunned. One of them said, “Wow… surreal.” Another wrote, “Whyyyyy do I not have the super power to teleport?” A third netizen posted, “This is stunning”.

As Ladakh’s night sky continues to captivate sky gazers with rare celestial displays, the challenges faced by the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between human endeavours and the forces of nature in the diverse landscapes of India.