Est. 2018 — Pune, India
From Stargazing to Policy
On National Space Day 2025, the Hon. Chief Minister of Maharashtra announced the forthcoming Dark Sky Policy — recognising AstronEra's journey from astronomy education to Technical Secretariat for the state's dark sky conservation framework. Our goal: get light pollution recognised as a pollutant under India's Environment Protection Act.
The Journey
Scroll through eight years of evolution — from astronomy education to state-level policy.
2018
Foundation — Astronomy education platform launches
2019
AstroTribe — Training tribal communities as AstroGuides
2022
Policy Shift — From education to advocacy
2023
IDSPAC — India's first dark sky conference
2024
Dark Sky Defender Asia — First Indian recognition
2025
Policy Framework — TARA regulation launched
2025–26
Implementation — 11 pilot sites across Maharashtra
2030
Vision — ALAN recognised under India's EPA
Impact at a Glance
11 Pilot Sites
Across Maharashtra for policy implementation
1st Indian
Dark Sky Defender — recognised by DSI
5+ Departments
Coordinating through TARA framework
2023 IDSPAC
India's first dark sky preservation conference
Partners & Collaborators
Government, international bodies, academic institutions, and industry — collaborating on dark sky conservation.
DarkSky International
Technical partner for site certification and policy endorsement. The only Indian entity with a direct, formal DSI relationship.
Maharashtra Government
Multiple departments coordinating through the TARA framework: Environment, Tourism, Forest & Wildlife, Urban Development, and Energy.
Academic Institutions
Indian Institute of Astrophysics, IUCAA, and district colleges providing research and implementation support.
Lighting Companies
Industry partners collaborating on dark sky–compliant lighting standards, retrofitting guidelines, and responsible outdoor lighting design.
Astronomy Organisations
National and international astronomy bodies supporting observational science, public outreach, and evidence-based advocacy for dark sky preservation.
Looking Ahead
Vision 2030
Maharashtra as the model for Asia-Pacific dark sky regulation. Light pollution formally recognised under India's Environment Protection Act — proving that protecting the night sky is a legal right and economic opportunity.
Our Mission
Get light pollution formally recognised as a pollutant under India's Environment Protection Act. Through research, policy design, and internationally benchmarked frameworks, we support Maharashtra in addressing ALAN as a public health, biodiversity, and climate concern.