Time-Lapse of Earth's Rotation: Dorje Angchuk's Stellar Visual Journey

Capturing the mesmerizing rotation of Earth through a time-lapse video, Indian astronomer Dorje Angchuk has offered a visual treat that has quickly become a talking point on social media. Angchuk, based in Ladakh and serving as Engineer-in-Charge at the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, dedicated an entire day to this project. By compressing 24 hours of footage into a one-minute clip, he has vividly showcased our planet's rotation against the backdrop of a seemingly motionless starry sky.

This endeavor was not without its challenges, as Angchuk navigated through the harsh conditions of Ladakh, including battery failures and timer malfunctions, to bring this visual representation to life. Despite these obstacles, his commitment remained unwavering, driven by a desire to craft an educational tool that simplifies the concept of Earth's rotation for students. The astronomer undertook this project at the behest of students, aiming to provide them with an easily understandable visualization of this astronomical phenomenon.

In detailing the process, Angchuk revealed the significant effort involved in capturing the footage. He highlighted the misconception that stars move, clarifying that it is actually the Earth that rotates. This project, conceived to demystify Earth's rotation for educational purposes, underscores the dedication of scientists like Angchuk to enhance our understanding of the world. Through his innovative use of time-lapse photography, he has turned a complex scientific principle into an accessible and engaging visual story.