From aurora viewing to stargazing tours, night sky viewing is a huge hit. In addition to attracting tourists to explore this natural phenomenon, companies are also emerging to monetize these events.
This year has started off on a good note, with a penumbral lunar eclipse in March, a total solar eclipse in April, and meteor showers throughout the year.
This year will witness extraordinary solar activity as the Sun’s 11-year solar cycle approaches its peak in late 2024 to early 2026, so stargazers will be treated to stunning night sky views around the world in the coming months. you will be able to see.
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In early May this year, the spectacular aurora borealis has already been witnessed in Ladakh, India, and many countries around the world: Europe, the United States, and Tasmania.
NASA scientists have confirmed that aurora sightings will become more common as solar activity peaks in the coming months. This means the skies will be lit up with spectacular aurora borealis and widespread aurora displays. They predict that the sun will reach its solar maximum (the peak of its 11-year cycle), resulting in more frequent, intense, and vivid auroras.
Auroras are caused by the interaction of electrically charged solar wind with Earth’s magnetosphere.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. science and regulatory agency responsible for forecasting weather and monitoring ocean and atmospheric conditions, has warned that aurora borealis could appear in the U.S., Canada, and several Canadian provinces in the coming months. A storm watch was issued. Alaska.
To take advantage of the potential of the Northern Lights, travel companies such as Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel are offering unique Northern Lights tours in key destinations such as Rovaniemi, Saariselka – Lapland (Finland); has started. Tromso, Kirkenes (Norway); Kiruna (Sweden), Murmansk (Russia). Due to the growing interest in experiencing the Northern Lights, also known as the Northern Lights, the company is offering a variety of Arctic tours from September 2024 to April 2025. Tromso, Kirkenes (Norway); Kiruna (Sweden) and Murmansk (Russia).
“Immersive experiences include Aurora Borealis Safaris, eclectic accommodations in igloos, glass hotels, arctic treehouses and lodges, and more, all designed to appeal to millennials, Gen Z, couples, and more. This is a result of demand from multi-generational families and businesses,” said Rajeev Kale. , Presidents and Heads of State — Vacation, MICE, Visas, Thomas Cook.
Data analysis from a survey conducted by online travel platform Pickyourtrail reveals that searches for Northern Lights tours from India have surged 180% year-on-year. Bookings for aurora viewing trips have increased significantly for the upcoming 2024-25 season. More than 65% of Indian travelers expressed interest in planning a trip in the next two years. The data also shows that across travel platforms, the average booking period for such trips has increased from three months in advance to five months in advance, and early bookings (more than nine months in advance) have increased.
Additionally, this year, a series of night sky and astronomical tours, ‘Nakshatra Sabha’, will be organized in collaboration with Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and astrotourism company Starscapes. The event will be held from October 4 to 6 in the historic temple town of Jageshwar in Uttarakhand’s Almora district and from November 8 to 10 in Benital, a small village in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district.
“Such events promote cultural and natural heritage, strengthen the local economy and create livelihood opportunities for many people. This initiative will promote diverse forms of tourism in Uttarakhand.” said Sachin Kulve, Tourism Secretary and CEO of the Tourism Development Board.
Apart from tours, Nakshatra Sabha organizes events such as astronomical photography with monuments during the day and guided eco-astronomical trails showcasing the unique flora and fauna of Uttarakhand, while night offers spectacular stargazing. We offer opportunities.
