Rare Celestial Spectacle: Jupiter and Andromeda Captured Over Ladakh's Frozen Chilling Tso

• Indian astrophotographer Dorje Angchuk captured rare images of Jupiter at its brightest during its annual opposition over Ladakh's frozen Chilling Tso lake.
• The expedition to the high-altitude Changthang region, nearly 5,000 meters above sea level, timed with Jupiter's opposition on January 10.
• The images showcase Jupiter's glow against the zodiacal light, a rare observation from India, requiring exceptionally dark and unpolluted skies.
• The 360-degree panorama was created from nearly twenty tracked sky panels and a separately photographed foreground, despite extreme cold, winds, and unstable ice.
• The photographs highlight the pristine quality of the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, emphasizing the importance of preserving such dark sky locations.

Why It Matters: Astrophotographer Dorje Angchuk captured stunning images of Jupiter and zodiacal light over Ladakh's Chilling Tso.