• Home
  • About
    • History
    • Attractions
    • Things to do
    • Coastal Walks
    • Getting Around
    • Where to eat and drink
    • Shopping
    • Weddings on Sark
    • Island Life
    • Moving to Sark
    • Accommodation List
  • News
  • Events
    • Events List
  • Sark Map
  • Brochure
  • Gallery
  • Videos
  • Contact
  • Businesses
  • Privacy Notice
  • Sark Guide (T&Cs)
  • Accommodation Specials
View on map   Call us: +44 (0) 1481 832345

Sark Island

Main Navigation
  • Home
  • About
    • History
    • Attractions
    • Things to do
    • Coastal Walks
    • Getting Around
    • Where to eat and drink
    • Shopping
    • Weddings on Sark
    • Island Life
    • Moving to Sark
    • Accommodation List
  • News
  • Events
    • Events List
  • Sark Map
  • Brochure
  • Gallery
  • Videos
  • Contact
  • Businesses
  • Privacy Notice
  • Sark Guide (T&Cs)
  • Accommodation Specials

Star gazing

Tel:

Star Trails above La Seigneurie Purchased SD reduced

In January 2011 Sark gained the distinction of being awarded International Dark-Sky Association recognition for its exceptional quality of unpolluted darkness, and became the first functioning island community to gain this title.

What does it mean? Sark, although very tiny, has a thriving population of around 600 people. We have everything this modern world can offer except motor cars and all they entail. This restriction means that our nights are truly dark, the planets of the solar system easily distinguished, the stars a magnificent backdrop. Air quality is unsullied, sunsets and dawns spectacular, the Milky Way a brilliant belt strung across the heavens.

You do not need to be an astronomer to appreciate dark skies; they inspire poets, artists and lovers. However, if you are in any way, shape or form interested in what lies beyond our home planet, Sark is a place you will appreciate – and it’s on your doorstep.

What is “SAstroS”?

People who live with myriads of bright stars tend to take them for granted, a mere adjunct to all the other beauties of island life. However, the less fortunate can hardly believe how amazing and awe-inspiring an unpolluted night sky can be. Their first visit to Sark can be, literally, an eye-opener. Many living on Sark reach for the binoculars (always useful when you are surrounded by sea) and contemplate the wonders of the Universe above. When the island was in the throes of being assessed for International Dark Sky recognition it was suggested a local astronomy group would be useful for the future development of Sark’s new status, so the Sark Astronomy Society was formed by a band of enthusiasts eager to share their magical experience with others. It was named SAstroS, and our members are keen to learn, share, display and inspire. We are here to assist visitors, organise events and generally make your stay worthwhile.

Please visit www.sastros.sark.gg. Tours of our new observatory can be arranged through Sark Tourism by one of the committee members. Call 01481 832345. Please see the guide below:

Using the Observatory

You don’t need a telescope to see the wonderful display of stars above Sark. You can see a host of stars and planets with the naked eye. Taking a walk at night on Sark can be very rewarding. Anywhere away from artificial light is easy to find here. Head out with sensible footwear and a torch for finding your way, and you will be impressed by what you can see without any equipment. During the summer months the evenings do not get properly dark until about 10pm. You may want to consider this if you are interested in visiting our observatory.

Check the forecast to see if it’s going to be clear enough. We use XC weather, which is on the computer screen at the back of our office at the Visitor Centre.  We also recommend looking at the Guernsey airport forecast www.bbc.co.uk/weather/6296594/.

If you are interested in seeing our new observatory, we can help arrange this but you will need a volunteer guide to accompany you. We are happy to contact the appropriate person for you. Up to 8 people can be accommodated in the scope room but sometimes others can use the smaller scopes outside the observatory.

Please enquire at Visitor Centre. The observatory is signposted opposite the Church.

Donations can be made in the donation box at the observatory site.

The suggested amount is £5.

 

Latest News

  • A new look for Sark postmen! A new look for Sark postmen! May 26, 2022

Upcoming Events

  • 29May

    MermFest at 00:00AM, Sunday 29 May 2022
  • 02Jun

    Sark on the West side Walk at 11:15AM, Thursday 02 June 2022
  • 02Jun

    The Queen’s Jubilee at 13:00PM, Thursday 02 June 2022

Categories

  • About Sark
    • Attractions
    • Things to do
    • Nature
    • History
    • Weddings on Sark
    • Tides
  • Events
  • Where to Stay
    • Hotels
    • Guest Houses
    • Self Catering
    • Campsites
  • businesses
    • Shopping
    • Eating Out
    • Things to do
  • Business Directory

Archives

  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • January 2018
  • October 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • April 2014
  • February 2014
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • January 2012
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • September 2005

Contact Sark Tourism

Sark Tourism Office The Avenue Tel: +44 (0) 1481 832345 Email: office@sark.co.uk

Pictures

Request a brochure

Copyright © 2015 - Sark Tourism - Web Design by Mad Co Limited
  • Stay Connected
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Google Plus