Indian astronomer captures Jupiter, Andromeda Galaxy shining above frozen Ladakh

Deep in the heart of Ladakh, where the air is thin enough to make every breath a conscious effort, lies Chilling Tso, a remote, high-altitude lake perched nearly 5,000 metres above sea level. In the depths of winter, this desolate landscape transforms into a frozen frontier of brutal beauty.

On January 10, a team of three explorers ventured into this extreme terrain to capture a rare celestial spectacle: Jupiter at opposition, glowing brilliantly against a sky illuminated by the ethereal zodiacal light. The expedition coincided perfectly with the astronomical alignment, when Earth sits directly between the Sun and Jupiter, making the gas giant appear larger and brighter than at any other time of the year.

Reaching Chilling Tso is a challenge in itself. A rough dirt track branches off the Hanle-Chumur road, cutting through a stark and unforgiving landscape. Temperatures plunge well below freezing, but it is the relentless wind chill that inflicts the harshest punishment. Even basic movement becomes laborious, and every decision carries risk.

The reward, however, was extraordinary. Jupiter dominated the night sky, its brilliance rivalled only by the zodiacal light, a faint, cone-shaped glow created by sunlight scattering off dust particles in the inner solar system. Together, they formed a striking celestial tableau rarely witnessed, let alone photographed, from Indian soil.

The image, captured by astrophotographer Dorje Angchuk, is not a single frame but a meticulously crafted 360-degree panorama.

The sky was recorded in nearly 20 tracked panels, each with a one-minute exposure to avoid star trailing, while the frozen foreground was photographed separately to preserve detail and depth. Tracking was achieved using an iOptron SkyGuider Pro, mounted on a tripod that had to be stabilised on slippery, shifting ice amid strong winds.

The challenges were relentless. Gusts shook the equipment, frostbite numbed bare hands, and the ice beneath the tripods constantly shifted as temperatures fluctuated. Aligning the tracker with the pole star under such conditions demanded patience and precision. Any minor error could have ruined hours of work.

Despite these obstacles, the final image offers a breathtaking window into the universe, captured from the pristine skies of the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve. It is also a reminder of how rare such dark skies have become, with faint light pollution already creeping in from distant settlements.

The photograph shows the careful planning, shared courage, and the enduring human desire to explore, proving that even in the coldest, most remote corners of India, the night sky still burns with wonder.