Abubaker Siddiq Shekhani Blog

My Journey in Astronomy, Space Sciences, Dark-Sky Education & Astro-Tourism in Pakistan

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For more than a decade, I have dedicated a significant part of my life to astronomy outreach and dark-sky education in Pakistan. As a Co-Founder and Director of Astro Trips at the Karachi Astronomers’ Society (KAS), my mission has been to make astronomy accessible, experiential, and transformative for people from all walks of life. Since 2010, I have personally planned, organized, and led more than 60 large-scale astronomy expeditions, taking hundreds of participants into the remote dark skies of Sindh and Balochistan to experience the universe in its purest form.

This journey began with a simple intention: to help people reconnect with the natural night sky something that has been gradually lost to increasing light pollution. Over the years, this intention has grown into a structured Astro-tourism movement, supported by families, travelers, photographers, students, and enthusiasts who join us repeatedly to witness the beauty of the cosmos.

My Role as Director of Astro Trips

Every astronomy expedition I lead is designed as a complete educational experience. My role spans both operational and scientific responsibilities, ensuring each trip is safe, enriching, and memorable. This includes:

  • Selecting dark-sky locations that are accessible, safe, and ideal for astronomy

  • Planning transport logistics, caravans, and group movement

  • Overseeing campsite layout, tents, rented accommodation, meal arrangements, and safety protocols

  • Preparing and setting up telescopes, ensuring proper alignment and readiness for deep-sky and planetary observation

  • Designing the astronomy program, including sky tours, constellation identification, astrophotography sessions, and telescope viewing

  • Leading educational discussions on galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, planets, and light pollution

  • Managing team responsibilities, participant coordination, and environmental respect

These trips require a balance of leadership, technical skill, and hospitality—and I consider that combination central to my work and identity as an astronomy educator.

Exploring the Dark Skies of Pakistan

Pakistan is home to some of the most stunning dark-sky locations in the region, and I’ve had the privilege of exploring many of them through our Rutjuga expeditions. These sites, frequently documented on Rutjuga.com, showcase the diversity of landscapes that make stargazing in Pakistan truly unique.

Key Locations in Sindh

  • Gharo: 80 Kms from Karachi with Bortle 3-4 skies, rooms, washroom and other facilities
  • Mirpur Sakro:  120 Kms from Karachi with exceptionally clear skies having a slight light dome of Karachi towards the north west
  • Ranikot Fort: 250Kms from Karachi where ancient fort walls frame the Milky Way. Bortle 1-2 skies with exceptionally clear and stable night skies
  • Gorakh Hills: 450Kms+ from Karachi, a high-altitude mountain perfect for deep-sky observation with Milky Way views from horizon to horizon
  • Bardo Jabal:450Kms+ from Karachi, a high-altitude plateau perfect for deep-sky observation with Milky Way views from horizon to horizon
  • Kirthar National Park: 450Kms from Karachi, Karchat and Thana Bula Khan regions, one of the last naturally dark regions accessible from Karachi

Key Locations in Balochistan

  • Kanrach Waterfalls & River: 150-250Kms from Karachi, dramatic terrain paired with pristine night skies with Bortle 2-3 skies
  • Nani Mandir (Hingol): 300Kms+ from Karachi, a serene valley ideal for deep sky observation with Bortle 1
  • Mud Volcanoes: a landscape resembling Mars under the cosmos with Bortle 1-2 skies
  • Caves City: a visually stunning landscapes ideal for astrophotography with Bortle 1-2 skies
  • Ormara Coastline: where mountains, ocean, and starlight converge with Bortle 1-2 skies

Each of these locations has contributed to the evolution of our Astro-tourism journey and continues to draw participants who want to explore both nature and the night sky.

Creating Transformative Astronomy Experiences

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is witnessing how people respond to their first true dark-sky experience. Under natural darkness, the Milky Way stretches across the sky, constellations become clearer, and deep-sky objects come alive through binoculars and our telescopes. The Milky Way’s Sagittarius Arm and Orion–Perseus Arm become clearly visible, stretching across the night sky in a stunning band of starlight.

During each expedition, I guide participants through activities such as:

  • Navigating the night sky using naked-eye constellations and star patterns
  • Planetary observation of Saturn, Jupiter, and the Moon
  • Deep-sky viewing of the Orion Nebula, Andromeda Galaxy, Pleiades, and more
  • Discussions on star formation, galaxy evolution, and the science behind celestial objects
  • Astrophotography guidance, including long-exposures and star trails
  • Solar observation through specialized solar telescopes during the daytime
  • Awareness conversations about light pollution and dark-sky preservation

These sessions help people understand the universe not just as distant theory but as an experience they can see, feel, and photograph.

My Commitment to Dark-Sky Preservation

Dark-sky conservation is an integral part of my mission. Through consistent outreach, I aim to raise awareness about the harm caused by urban lighting and the importance of preserving natural nightscapes. My expeditions emphasize:

  • Responsible use of artificial light
  • Minimizing disturbances to wildlife
  • Encouraging participants to adopt dark-sky-friendly lighting at home
  • Inspiring conversations around environmental protection

This work closely aligns with the values of DarkSky International, and I take great pride in contributing to a movement that benefits both nature and humanity.

A Vision for the Future of Astronomy in Pakistan

As I reflect on years of leading astro-trips, I see a growing community people who return again and again because the night sky has become meaningful to them. I believe astronomy has the power to shift perspectives, inspire curiosity, and deepen our connection with the world.

My vision moving forward includes:

  • Expanding dark-sky education

  • Introducing more families and children to astronomy

  • Continuing to map and document dark-sky locations

  • Advocating for sustainable lighting and environmental responsibility

Every Astronomy Trip, I lead reinforces my belief that the night sky belongs to everyone, and every person deserves the chance to experience it in its full glory.

The Journey Continue

My work in astronomy is not just about science it is about reconnecting people with wonder. Through every sky tour, telescope session, and dark-sky adventure, I hope to inspire curiosity, respect for nature, and a lifelong appreciation for the cosmos.

For me, astronomy is not just a field of study.
It is a bridge between people and the universe; a reminder that even in the darkest places, there is overwhelming beauty to be found.

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Abubaker Siddiq Shekhani

Abubaker Shekhani is an IT Entrepreneur and Full Stack Developer. He is the co-founder and the Developer behind Mytabeeb, a health care solution. He has worked for 5 years in Microsoft Dynamics AX space with Techno-functional role and glad to be one of few Microsoft Dynamics AX developers/consultants in Pakistan. He is TEDx speaker and likes to speak in public. He is an Amateur Astronomer and Astrophotographer. He is the founding member of Karachi Astronomers Society. He can be reached at me@abubakershekhani.com.

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