Technically, stargazing should be easy. But with increasing pollution, it is becoming more and more difficult to sight stars in most residential areas. In many urban areas, too much light at night translates to light pollution, which dims stars in contrast. The moon may be the only astrological object that many people in cities ever see. As a result, scientists and astronomy enthusiasts around the world are finding it increasingly difficult to study and track astral phenomena. Throughout much of history, stars have been mankind’s first way of gaining knowledge about time, seasons, and many other natural phenomena, as well as a source of spiritual guidance. [break]
Even though most humans do not maintain such an intimate connection with the stars anymore, there are still many scientists and amateur astronomy enthusiasts who would like to see more of stars. This is where dark sky destinations come in, places with minimum air and light pollution from where people can enjoy the beauty and knowledge that stars have to offer. Ever since Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve in Portugal was named the first Starlight Tourism Destination in 2011, specialized locations to view the sky have been popping up all over the developed world.
Nepal, a pristine land in more ways than one, is also an ideal destination for such astro-tourism. According to international standards, any place where 1,500 stars can be seen with naked eyes, or the Milky Way can be identified without scientific equipment, qualifies as a dark sky destination. Many locations in Nepal meet these standards. According to experts, 80 percent of stars not visible elsewhere can be seen from Nepal.
Besides, even planets like Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, and several constellations, are clearly visible to naked eyes from Nepal. From Rara National Park, even the farthest planet Uranus can be seen without special equipment. Because major swathes of Nepali land are yet unelectrified, most of Nepal is free from light pollution. Besides, even after complete electrification of the country, large tracts of Nepal’s inhospitable northern regions are likely to be dark for a long time to come, keeping Nepal’s potential as a dark sky destination alive for years.
The low pollution in Nepal adds to vision clarity, while Nepal’s altitude is an added advantage. Awareness of this subject increased exponentially after 2009 was declared the International Year of Astronomy by UNESCO. Worldwide, interest in books, movies and other cultural products related to astronomy has surged, complemented by a corresponding surge in the sale of telescopes and other astronomical equipments. Nepal needs to capitalize on this moment by initiating astro-tourism in remote areas.
The tourism efforts can be concentrated around astronomical events like proximity to planets, eclipses, meteor showers, etc, but in fact, the dark skies, with the knowledge they offer, are a treat to people all the year around. As elsewhere in Nepal, tourism will benefit the local population by developing infrastructure and opening up avenues for income generation. Astro-tourism has the additional potential of developing Nepal into an astronomical research center. Easy access to the equipments to study sidereal phenomena may inspire Nepali youngsters to take up the field. We believe that government investment in developing astro-tourism will bring a host of other benefits to the country.
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