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Article:
The Threat to Hanle’s Dark Skies and How Tourism is Impacting it
With the rise in social media posts showcasing Hanle’s mesmerizing night sky and its strategic location near Umrin La, one of the world’s highest motorable passes, visitor numbers have skyrocketed. However, this influx of tourism brings along potential dangers such as increased traffic, construction, and light pollution, all of which pose threats to the natural darkness that tourists flock to witness.
Sonam Jolfail, a senior engineer and head of outreach at IAO, acknowledges that tourism has its benefits in terms of job creation and local development in Hanle. Nonetheless, he stresses the importance of managing growth to preserve the pristine dark skies that make the region so unique.
“Our role is to connect the scientific community with the public, including local residents and visitors,” added Jolfail.
Yet, longstanding residents like Padma’s father, Dhuntup Chamchot, who has witnessed over seven decades of change in Hanle, note that the night sky is already undergoing shifts in its darkness.
“There was a time when people used to sleep outdoors under the blanket of the pitch-black sky whenever the weather allowed for it,” reminisces Chamchot.
In addition, young women in the community have taken a liking to bringing their families to gaze at the stars.
“Sharing the wonders of the night sky with our families through telescopes has become a tradition, with our loved ones now eagerly anticipating these stargazing sessions,” shares Yandle, one of the astronomy enthusiasts. “If we miss even a single night, our families playfully question why we didn’t set up the telescope,” she adds.
Undeterred by the changes, these women remain committed to Hanle and its dark skies, hoping for enhanced training and superior telescopes and eyepieces to elevate the stargazing experience for visitors.
Just four years ago, the idea of this equipment was foreign to them. Today, they are shaping their future around the celestial marvels above.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
