Indian astronomer Dorje Angchuk has captured a stunning time-lapse video that vividly showcases Earth’s rotation against the tranquil backdrop of Ladakh. Filmed from the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, the footage offers a rare perspective of our planet’s movement, while the Milky Way appears motionless in the night sky.
As the engineer-in-charge at the observatory, Angchuk aspires to create a full 24-hour time-lapse seamlessly depicting the transition from day to night. “The stars remain still, but Earth never stops spinning,” he remarked.
Capturing this breathtaking footage was no simple task. Angchuk initially aimed to focus on the Orion constellation, but its high position relative to Ladakh’s latitude presented challenges. The extreme cold further complicated the process, draining camera batteries at an accelerated rate.
A Day in Motion – Capturing Earth’s Rotation
The stars remain still, but Earth never stops spinning. My goal was to capture a full 24-hour time-lapse, revealing the transition from day to night and back again. @IIABengaluru @asipoec (1/n) pic.twitter.com/LnCQNXJC9R
— Dorje Angchuk (@dorje1974) January 31, 2025
Over four nights, Angchuk faced numerous setbacks, including storage limitations, battery failures, and timer malfunctions. Yet, each hurdle became a lesson, refining his approach. With the aid of a motion tracker and mobile controls for exposure adjustments, he ultimately recorded a smooth sequence that visually brings Earth’s rotation to life.
An educational and inspirational endeavour
The idea for the time-lapse stemmed from a request to create an educational tool demonstrating Earth’s movement. Angchuk believes watching the video in full-screen loop mode enhances the experience, offering a deeper appreciation of our planet’s dynamic motion.
Beyond its scientific significance, the project highlights Angchuk’s dedication to astrophotography and his mission to inspire future generations. His work not only captures the celestial beauty of Ladakh’s night sky but also serves as a testament to perseverance and the boundless possibilities of science.
As technology and curiosity continue to propel advancements in astrophotography, Angchuk’s video stands as a powerful reminder of Earth’s place in the cosmos—always spinning, always in motion, yet endlessly captivating.
