Jan 28, 2015 · Sark, a Channel Island protectorate of the United Kingdom near the coast of Normandy, is Europe’s first International Dark Sky Community. The island’s blend of history and culture attracts up to 40,000 tourists per year.

The Isle of Sark is the world's first Dark Sky Island, owing to its recognised lack of light pollution and incredible starry displays. The island's observatory is open to the public.

Sark was designated the world's first dark sky island by the International Dark Sky Association in 2011. SAstroS was set up to protect our unique access to dark skies and showcase the best of Sark's stargazing. SAstroS operates from the Dachinger Observatory using a 12" Meade LX90 telescope purchased from donations in 2023.

Feb 19, 2025 · The Sark Observatory (aka the Dachinger Observatory) is located at the heart of Sark Dark Sky Island. The facility is home to a 12″ Meade Schmidt Cassegraine telescope which is operated by the Sark Astronomy Society.

Stargazing on Sark is a truly unique experience as one of the few Dark Sky Islands in the world. The island has very little light pollution from the small towns sprinkled throughout the island. The absence of cars and streetlights makes for a dark, clear sky.

Sark is now recognized as the world's first designated Dark Sky island. Sark's Astronomy Society (SAstroS) was established by a group of passionate stargazers to help protect the unique access to dark skies and showcase the best of Sark's stargazing.

Dec 23, 2012 · The tiny Channel Island community of Sark was awarded the distinction of becoming the world’s first Dark Sky Island in 2011, indicating its excellent light-free location for naked-eye...

Dark night-time skies are an essential part of life on Sark, and the quality and value of these are recognised by the vast majority of residents. Streetlights are absent from Sark, and the local community have resisted any attempts to fit street lighting.

Jul 27, 2016 · Sark, at only 5.5 square kilometres, is the smallest of the four main Channel Islands, which lie between England and France. In January 2011 the International Dark-Sky Association designated Sark as a Dark Sky Community …

Feb 1, 2011 · On the English Channel island of Sark, stargazers can see a vibrant Milky Way stretching from horizon to horizon. Located 80 miles off the coast of England, it has no public street lights and...