Darkest site in the country Palamu Tiger Reserve set to begin astrophotography

According to forest department officials, PTR has found mention on darksitesfinder.com, an open online global platform that identifies dark sites on the planet which are considered ideal for the photography of celestial bodies due to less light pollution at such spots

Published on: Jul 7, 2021, 12:49:18 IST

By Vishal Kant

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The Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) is all set to hold a workshop for astrophotography next month--the reserve on the western and south-western margin of Jharkhand is classified as one of the “darkest sites” in the country.

Palamu Tiger Reserve at Betla in Palamu, Jharkhand. (HT Archive)

“We are planning the workshop of astrophotographers on August 8 which would be a new moon day, considered ideal for photography due to least amount of light. Currently, we are identifying specific location in the reserve that has least obstacles such as tree leaves where it would be held,” said Manoj Kumar, deputy director, PTR.

According to forest department officials, PTR has found mention on darksitesfinder.com, an open online global platform that identifies dark sites on the planet which are considered ideal for the photography of celestial bodies due to less light pollution at such spots.

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“The dark sites hold significance as the visibility of the sky from such locations is better than other places during the night, largely because they are away from the cities where the glow of the lights, reduces sky visibility. These dark sites are ideal for astrophotographers to click pictures. The darksitesfinder website uses satellite images to identify dark sites. In India, PTR and Indravati area in Maharashtra have been identified as the darkest sites,” said Kumar.

The PTR forest in Latehar district is spread over1129.93 square kilometres including 414.8 sqkm of core area and 715.85 sqkm of buffer area.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vishal Kant
Stationed in Ranchi, Vishal is heading the Jharkhand Bureau of Hindustan Times since November 2017. Besides leading the reporting team, Vishal tracks and writes on developments related to the state politics, economy and policy matters in Jharkhand. Prior to his current assignment, Vishal used to work in New Delhi after graduating from the University of Delhi. Vishal joined HT in the rank of Assistant Editor in August 2015 and was part of the Delhi Metro Bureau, covering a host of issues in the City-state including politics, policy---especially those related to urban traffic & transport infrastructure and railways. A native of Palamu district in Jharkhand, Vishal started his two-decade long career in the mainstream media in 2006. During this period, he has has worked in different capacity with a number of national media houses including the Financial Chronicle, India Today, Deccan Herald and The Hindu, before moving to the Hindustan Times. He holds the experience of having worked in three major mediums of mass communication--Print, Electronic and Digital. He is a proud father of two daughters.Read More

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