Rare Auroral Activity Captured Over Hanle Dark Sky Reserve in Ladakh

Intense red-coloured auroral activity was captured by the all-sky camera at the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), Hanle, in Ladakh on the nights of January 19 and 20. This marks the sixth instance during the current solar cycle that such auroral activity has been observed from the region.

Cause: Strong Geomagnetic Storm
According to the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), which operates the observatory, the aurora was caused by a strong geomagnetic storm that began around 3:30 a.m. on January 20.
NASA’s space-based remote-sensing data indicate that the storm resulted from the interaction of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) launched from the Sun at about 1:30 p.m. on January 18.

Significance of the Observation
Auroras are typically visible at high latitudes, making their detection at Hanle particularly notable. Such events provide valuable insights into solar–terrestrial interactions and the impacts of space weather on Earth’s magnetosphere.

Hanle: India’s First Dark Sky Reserve
Located in Ladakh, Hanle has been designated as India’s first Dark Sky Reserve to protect its pristine night skies from light pollution. The reserve is managed under a memorandum of understanding between the IIA, Bengaluru, the Union Territory of Ladakh, and the Ladakh Hill Development Council, Leh.

From Nomadic Region to Stargazing Hub
Once inhabited primarily by nomadic communities, Hanle is now emerging as a major stargazing destination. A dark sky reserve is a designated area with exceptionally clear skies, maintained by strict measures to minimise artificial light pollution.

Location and Scientific Infrastructure
The Hanle Dark Sky Reserve lies within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, surrounding the Indian Astronomical Observatory. The observatory hosts:

• Optical telescopes: Himalayan Chandra Telescope and the GROWTH India Telescope (with IIT Bombay)
• Cherenkov telescopes: High Altitude Gamma-Ray Telescope Array (with TIFR) and the Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (with BARC)

Ideal Conditions for Astronomy
Hanle’s environment—characterised by high altitude, low oxygen, low humidity, and high ultraviolet radiation—makes it one of the most suitable sites in the world for astronomical observations.