Thanks to Joel Bateman for this reminder of the Free Dark Wight Skies event. Ed
Dark Wight Skies is a free family evening event looking at the Island’s night sky. The event starts at 6pm on Monday 16th February and will run until 10pm, depending on the weather.
Dark Skies are special areas where there are low levels of light pollution. When there is an absence of light pollution thousands of stars are revealed at night, this is beneficial to the wildlife and tranquillity of an area. We are lucky that much of the Isle of Wight has a high quality of night sky. This is especially apparent within Wight AONB.
The Dark Wight Skies event is an introduction to the world of astronomy, the benefits of the Island’s Dark Skies and the Dark Wight Skies Initiative which is the ambition to achieve international recognition for the Island’s night sky. The event has been organised in partnership with Vectis Astronomical Society.
Visitors will be able to use a range of telescopes to see the stars, including the Orion Nebula, which is in the mid southern sky during February evenings. There will also be talks and activities from a range of organisations around the benefits of Dark Skies for people and wildlife.
Where and when
There’s no need to book, just turn up on the night, preferably with a little torch and warm clothing – all ages welcome. No previous astronomy experience is needed and people of all ages are welcome to come along and experience the Island’s dark skies.
The event takes place from 6pm on Monday 16th February at the Isle of Wight Observatory, Watery Lane, Newchurch near Amazon World (nearest postcode is PO36 0LX)
For the latest event updates and activities timetable visit www.wightaonb.org.uk
Image: © Philippa Timms
