The exceptional clarity of the Isle of Man’s night skies is one of its (many) outstanding features and has attracted a considerable amount of media attention recently.

Uniquely within the British Isles, the Isle of Man has 26 designated Dark Skies sites and it would be no exaggeration to say that pretty much the whole of the Island could be considered a Dark Skies site!

It is therefore not surprising that the Island has become something of a magnet for those who want to observe particular astronomical phenomena or who simply love our extraordinary natural world and enjoy the incredible spectacle of seeing the sky carpeted with stars.

At Upper Ballavarkish, on clear nights, it sometimes seems as though there are more stars than sky itself and one of the most rewarding viewing spots here is in the field behind the cottages. It really is a stargazer’s heaven on earth.

In fact the whole of the Isle of Man has been designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve – the first time an entire country has been awarded such an honour. This international recognition of the Island’s magnificent landscapes, rich heritage and unique way of life is an indication of just how special the Island is universally considered to be.

The following websites all provide further information on the Isle of Man’s wondrous night skies:

Astromanx.com

Iomastronomy.org

Visitisleofman.com/things-to-do/attractions/stargazing-sites