DARKSKYINITIATIVE
Interactive map + Petition
What is shown in our interactive map below?
First off, what are "Dark Sky Reserves?" Looking at the Dark Sky Reserve in Ladakh, it is a region in India that has been designated as a protected area for stargazing and astronomical observation. It is located in the remote Ladakh region of northern India, which is known for its high altitude, clear skies, and minimal light pollution. The reserve covers an area of over 5,000 square kilometers and includes several villages and towns, including Hanle, which is home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory. A common metric used to measure the darkness of the night sky in a location is the Bortle Scale. It rates locations from 0 - 9, where 0 is the darkest night sky and 9 is the most polluted.
The main aim of the Dark Sky Reserve is to preserve the natural night sky and promote scientific research and education in astronomy. It is also intended to raise awareness about the importance of reducing light pollution and preserving the environment. Visitors to the reserve can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Milky Way and other celestial objects, as well as participate in stargazing tours and educational programs.
After extensive research on locations near Mumbai that could be potential Dark Sky Reserve locations, we narrowed it down to three major locations, as pinned in the map below. By clicking on each star, a summary of each location will be given, on the basis which you can vote for the best location that you believe will fit this role. (Hint: consider the Bortle scale, distance from Mumbai, and existing infrastructure and attractions for stargazing)