Manashimaya
Indian astronomer Dorje Angchuk has created a mesmerizing time-lapse video showcasing Earth’s rotation from the breathtaking landscapes of Ladakh. As the engineer-in-charge at the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, he set out to capture a full 24-hour sequence, revealing the seamless transition from day to night.
While we don’t feel the Earth spinning, it is always in motion. Angchuk’s video beautifully illustrates this movement—while the stars appear fixed, our planet continuously rotates beneath them. “The stars remain still, but Earth never stops spinning,” he explained, emphasizing the challenges of capturing such a phenomenon.
Shooting in Ladakh’s extreme cold proved difficult. Camera batteries drained quickly, storage ran out, and technical glitches disrupted his progress. Even framing the constellation Orion was tricky due to its high position in the sky. But over four nights, he fine-tuned his approach, using motion trackers and adjusting exposures to create a smooth final sequence.
This project stemmed from a simple request to help students visualize Earth’s rotation. Angchuk believes watching the time-lapse in loop mode enhances the experience. More than just a stunning visual, his work serves as an inspiration, bringing the wonders of the cosmos closer to all of us.
