AstroManx is pleased to be involved with the UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man project and recognises that
• On the Isle of Man the awareness of our natural environment encompasses not just our beautiful landscape and maritime environment but also covers the wonders and clarity of our stunning Manx Night skies. The Isle of Man has now been formally acknowledged in January 2014 with Dark Sky Discovery status with 26 sites.
• This means that the Isle of Man skies have a higher concentration of Dark Sky Sites, with 26 Dark Sky Sites than any other area in not just the British Isles, but in Europe.
• On the Island, the Milky Way has been known in Manx Gaelic as “Raad Mooar re Gorry” or the “Great Way of King Orry” commemorating the landing of King Orry in the late 11th century.
• The popular and stunning phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights can also be seen from Manx shores on many occasions, far more southerly than is often the case.
• From not just the dark sky sites, Manx stargazers can see some amazing sights in our night skies. With the naked eye, you can clearly see the Milky Way, a sight often unseen on the adjacent Isles. The Orion Nebula - some 1500 light years away, and the Milky Way’s companion galaxy the Great Andromeda Galaxy, the light from which has been on its way to us for about 2.5 million years. The best equipment for stargazing is the naked eye, just look up and marvel at the sights, but with the aid of binoculars or a telescope our Manx night skies can be quite spectacular.
• Amateur and hobby astronomers continue to be enthralled by the quality of the night sky and are delighted to share this experience with other locals and visitors.
• On the Isle of Man the awareness of our natural environment encompasses not just our beautiful landscape and maritime environment but also covers the wonders and clarity of our stunning Manx Night skies. The Isle of Man has now been formally acknowledged in January 2014 with Dark Sky Discovery status with 26 sites.
• This means that the Isle of Man skies have a higher concentration of Dark Sky Sites, with 26 Dark Sky Sites than any other area in not just the British Isles, but in Europe.
• On the Island, the Milky Way has been known in Manx Gaelic as “Raad Mooar re Gorry” or the “Great Way of King Orry” commemorating the landing of King Orry in the late 11th century.
• The popular and stunning phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights can also be seen from Manx shores on many occasions, far more southerly than is often the case.
• From not just the dark sky sites, Manx stargazers can see some amazing sights in our night skies. With the naked eye, you can clearly see the Milky Way, a sight often unseen on the adjacent Isles. The Orion Nebula - some 1500 light years away, and the Milky Way’s companion galaxy the Great Andromeda Galaxy, the light from which has been on its way to us for about 2.5 million years. The best equipment for stargazing is the naked eye, just look up and marvel at the sights, but with the aid of binoculars or a telescope our Manx night skies can be quite spectacular.
• Amateur and hobby astronomers continue to be enthralled by the quality of the night sky and are delighted to share this experience with other locals and visitors.
