Dark Skies
Dark Sky Island Status
In 2011 Sark gained recognition from the International Dark-Sky Association for its exceptional lack of light pollution, owing largely to the fact that we have no street lights! Sark became the first island community to gain the title of Dark Sky Island.
This fantastic accolade helped to fully establish SAstroS, the Sark Astronomy Society; a band of enthusiastic stargazers eager to share the wonders of Sark's magical night time display with others.
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The Society funded and runs the island's Observatory and hosts annual Starfest celebrations with renowned guest speakers, normally in the Autumn or Spring to mark both the beginning or end of Winter.
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For information about visiting the Observatory and how to book an unforgettable astronomical experience please contact the Visitor Centre.
Just look up!
One of the most notable aspects of our dark sky is that no matter where you are on the island, all you have to do to appreciate the incredible starry display is look up!
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In 2020, one of the founding SAstroS members, Dr Richard Axton, registered a star in celebration of Sark’s recognition as the world’s first Dark Sky Island; 'Sark Island IDA 2011'.
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In the Star Registry our star is numbered 1565600 – Corona Borealis. A delightful coincidence given that Sark was settled in 1565!
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The constellation Corona Borealis is to be seen in Spring in the eastern sky, almost above St. Peter's Church, as viewed from the Sark Observatory and will progress to the western sky during the year.