The Isle of Man has been awarded Dark Skies status.
Seven sites on the Isle of Man have been designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites under an international scheme operated by the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council.
Astronomers have for many years praised several areas on the Island as having dark, un-polluted skies, ideal for astronomical observing.
Earlier this year, Manx National Heritage invited a representative from the Dark Skies Discovery Initiative to the Island to identify possible sites for accreditation.
Following this visit Manx National Heritage submitted an application to have seven sites approved as Dark Sky Discovery Sites, with many more sites across the Island having potential for accreditation.
The Island’s newly accredited sites include some very well known Manx beauty spots . . including Port Soderick Brooghs, Axnfell Plantation, Smeale Nature Reserve, Niarbyl, The Sound, Fort Island and Sulby Reservoir Car Park.
MNH says it puts the island firmly on the map as having the largest concentration of dark skies sites in Britain.
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