Astro-Tourism! Have you ever heard of it? Here is a piece of great news for skywatchers. Rajasthan, India’s first state to launch night sky astrotourism in all 33 of its districts! Jaipur, the state capital, features four prominent stargazing locations: Jantar Mantar, Amber Fort, Maharaja University, and Jawahar Kala Kendra.
‘Night Sky Tourism Project’
Under Astro-tourism, the ‘Night Sky Tourism Project’ was launched by the State Department of Art and Culture. This was intended to expose tourists to sky-gazing and urge them to do so.
After a long pause caused by the COVID-19 shutdown, the Rajasthan government organized a star gazing’ session in 2021 to assist individuals who wished to be outside. Residents were ecstatic by the occurrence, which led to the licensing of night sky astrotourism throughout Rajasthan.
Soon after, a slew of suggestions poured in, and Rajasthan’s chief minister, Ashok Gehlot, decided to go ahead with the plan. The dates will be determined based on the celestial calendars. In the future, the state intends to hold astrophotography workshops.
One of the most appealing aspects of the product is that it will be administered by sky calendars, with the sky serving as the primary reference for setting the dates for such events.
Astro-Tourism
The Rajasthan government organized a star gazing’ session in 2021 to assist individuals who wished to be outside after a long absence caused by the COVID-19 lockdown. People were enthralled by the stargazing activity, and it was then suggested that Rajasthan pursue Astrotourism.
On March 3, 2022, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announced Night Sky Astro Tourism across all 33 districts of the state. It will be administered by celestial calendars, and the dates will be set in accordance with them. In the future, the Rajasthan government intends to conduct astrophotography workshops.
Star Gazing At Jantar Mantar and Amber Fort
A ‘Night Sky Tourism Project’ was launched by the State Department of Art and Culture. This was intended to educate tourists about sky-gazing and motivate them to do so.
At Jawahar Kala Kendra and Jantar Mantar, they had telescopes put up. The first phase of ‘Night Sky Astro-Tourism’ will see telescopes installed at Jantar Mantar, Amber Fort, Maharaja University, and Jawahar Kala Kendra.
Ladakh’s Dark Sky Reserve
In response to this growing tourism trend, the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, the Ladakh administration, and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council recently signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish India’s first-ever Dark Sky Reserve near Hanle in Ladakh.
Dark sky reserves are locations that have been meticulously conserved for their astronomical significance. Organizations seek out the darkest skies with the best starry nets and work to keep them light pollution-free.
Light pollution is the brightening of the sky caused by artificial, obstructive lights, which are most commonly constructed and have negative impacts on natural processes as well as inhibiting astronomical studies.
According to scientists, it poses a serious threat to the environment. It is also possible to observe stars in the Milky Way due to the unpolluted night sky.
What Is Astro-Tourism?
Astronomical tourism or Astro tourism is a significant attraction for travelers to locations where the night sky is dark and free of artificial light pollution.
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