Dark skies

Isle of Wight skies at night are becoming darker

The Isle of Wight’s dark skies are attracting the attention of the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA).

The IW AONB and Vectis Astronomical Society (VAS) provide scientific evidence and measurements to the IDA. The findings are obtained from a network of Sky Quality Meters (SQMs) located at fixed sites around the island.

VAS members also deploy a number of mobile SQMs. These are used to complement the growing evidence of how good the night skies are in terms of clarity and lack of light pollution.

The aim is to get accreditation from the IDA. This will boost tourism from astronomers keen to witness what islanders have enjoyed for many years: superb views of more stars than normally seen from other counties across the Solent.