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LADAKH

RARE RED AURORA EVENT

CAPTURED IN LADAKH

NYOMA AIRFIELD

PARKACHIK GLACIER

CHADAR TREK AND ICE

HOCKEY

DAY. 63
UCN
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Ladakh

Rare Red Aurora Event Captured in Ladakh

In November 2023, the Hanle and Merak observatories in Ladakh captured a

rare red aurora event. Auroras, which are luminous displays resulting from
solar particles interacting with Earth's magnetic field, are typically visible
closer to the poles. However, on the night of November 5, the Hanle
observatory successfully captured the red aurora towards the northern
horizon, while the Merak observatory's view was partially obstructed by
mountains. This sighting is particularly noteworthy because auroras are
uncommon in India due to its proximity to the equator.

Indian Astronomical Observatory, Hanle

The Indian Astronomical Observatory is a high-altitude astronomy station
located in Hanle, Ladakh, India, at an elevation of 4500 meters above sea
level. Operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, the IAO is situated atop
Mt. Saraswati in the Nilamkhul Plain of the Hanle Valley, making it one of the
world's highest located sites for optical, infrared, and gamma-ray telescopes.
The observatory's remote location, combined with the high altitude, dry
weather conditions, and minimal light pollution, provide exceptional clear skies
for astronomical observations throughout the year. A few months back, the
Department of Science & Technology announced the establishment of India's
first Dark Sky Reserve in Hanle, further highlighting the site's significance for
astronomical research and the preservation of dark skies.

Merak Observatory

The Merak Observatory is another high-altitude astronomical observatory

located in the Ladakh region of India. Situated at an altitude of 4,300 meters
above sea level, the observatory is operated by the Indian Institute of
Astrophysics and is located near the village of Merak, about 250 km southeast
of Leh. The observatory is situated close to the famous Pangong Lake, a high-
altitude endorheic lake that extends from India to China. The observatory's
remote location and high altitude provide excellent conditions for astronomical
observations, with minimal light pollution and clear skies throughout the year.

The Merak Observatory, along with the Indian Astronomical Observatory in

Hanle, plays a crucial role in advancing astronomical research in India and
contributing to our understanding of the universe.

Nyoma Airfield

Another place from this particular region that made to news is Nyoma airfield.
The Defence minister laid the foundation stone of Nyoma Airfield in Eastern
Ladakh, which would be developed at a cost of approximately 200 crore. It will
boost the air infrastructure in Ladakh and augment the Indian Air Force's
capability along the Northern border with China.

Parkachik Glacier
The next place on list is Parkachik Glacier. A new study by scientists of Wadia
Institute of Himalayan Geology has found that three new glacial lakes are
likely to form around Parkachik Glacier in Ladakh due to rapid ice melt.

The Parkachik Glacier, located in the Suru River valley of the southern
Zanskar Ranges in the western Himalayas, is one of the largest glaciers in the
region. It covers an area of 53 square kilometers and stretches 14 kilometers
in length. The glacier plays a crucial role in supplying water to the Suru River,
which is a major source of water for the Kargil district in Ladakh.

A recent study conducted by scientists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan

Geology has revealed that the Parkachik Glacier is retreating at an alarming
rate. Between 1971 and 1999, the glacier retreated at an average rate of two
meters per year. However, between 2015 and 2021, this rate increased
significantly to 20 meters per year. The study used a tool called the Himalayan
Glacier Thickness Mapper to estimate the depth, water volume of potential
lakes, and other topographical features of the glacier.

The rapid melting of the Parkachik Glacier could lead to the formation of three
proglacial lakes near the glacier, according to the models used in the study.
This poses two major problems for the region:
 1. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods: The formation of these lakes increases the
risk of glacial lake outbursts, which can cause devastating flash floods
downstream. The most catastrophic Glacial Lake Outburst Floods event
in India's recent history was the 2013 Kedarnath flash floods.
2. Loss of Water Resources: The retreat of the Parkachik Glacier also
means the loss of a valuable water resource for Ladakh, which primarily
depends on glacial melt for its water supply.

The accelerated melting of the Parkachik Glacier is a serious concern for the
Ladakh region, as it not only increases the risk of glacial lake outburst floods
but also threatens the region's water security.

Chadar Trek and Ice Hockey

The next news is about how the unusually warm weather in Ladakh this winter
has impacted two of the region's most iconic winter activities: the Chadar Trek
and ice hockey.

Chadar Trek

The Chadar Trek, also known as the Zanskar Gorge Trek, is a winter trail that
runs over the frozen Zanskar River in the Indian Union territory of Ladakh.
This 105-kilometer (65 miles) trek has become increasingly popular among
adventure tourists, who walk an average of 16 kilometers (10 miles) per day
along the narrow gorge, flanked by towering vertical cliffs up to 600 meters
(1,969 feet) high.

However, this year, the Chadar Trek has been affected by the warmer
temperatures, which have caused a delay in its start and a shorter route due
to the late formation of ice on the Zanskar River. The trek typically takes place
when temperatures drop between -30 to -35 degrees Celsius (-22 to -31
degrees Fahrenheit), but these extreme conditions were not met this winter.

The Zanskar River, which forms the frozen path for the Chadar Trek, is a
major tributary of the Indus River. Originating northeast of the Great
Himalayan range, the river flows entirely within Ladakh, draining both the
Himalayas and the Zanskar Range before joining the Indus River near Nimo.
The formation of a thick, stable layer of ice on the Zanskar River is crucial for
the Chadar Trek to take place.

Other Important Places in the News

A few other important places that made headlines are:

1. Siachen Glacier: Due to the news about the first Geological Survey of
India (GSI) survey of the Siachen Glacier. This survey, conducted in
1958, holds historical significance as it establishes India's early presence
and knowledge of the glacier, countering claims by other nations.
2. Pangong Lake: Due to the news that three years after the violent clash
between Indian and Chinese forces in Galwan, both countries have
ramped up infrastructure on the north bank of Pangong Tso. This
development highlights the ongoing tensions and strategic importance of
the region.
3. Himalayan Wolf Assessment: The region also witnessed the first-ever
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assessment of the
Himalayan Wolf. This assessment emphasizes the need for further
research and conservation efforts to protect this unique species.