Hanle Dark Sky Reserve Third HDSR Star Party

Event Overview:

• The third HDSR Star Party will take place in September 18-23 , 2025 at the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR) in Ladakh .
• Co-hosted with Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Ladakh Wildlife Department and BARC .

About Hanle Dark Sky Reserve:

• Designated in December 2022 as the first International Dark Sky Reserve in India .
• It is based around the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) at Hanle operated by IIA under the Department of Science and Technology .
• It is situated in the Changthang Wild Life Sanctuary at the altitude of 4,500 meters .
• Characteristics Bortle-1 skies - the darkest of all types that are best suited to stargazing.

Event Highlights:

• Drew national attention by attracting astronomy enthusiasts to astrophotography, visual observation, as well as masterclasses .
• Aired a documentary on 7 Wonders of the HDSR Night Sky , which was a collection of astrophotographs by the Ajay and Neelam Talwar.
• Medical checks on the participants were conducted daily because the conditions were high-altitude.

Community Engagement:

• On the last day , Open Night allowed 300+ local villagers, tourists and army members to view celestial bodies on telescopes.
• There were 24 Astronomy Ambassadors that represented local villages and had been trained to be astro-tourism guides through sharing of telescopes and knowledge.

Significance:

• Further encourages science tours and astronomy training in India .
• Increases the participation of the local community in science .
• Makes India an attraction destination of world astronomical research and eco-tourism .