Channel Island of Sark Named World’s First Dark Sky Island

It’s official, the beautiful Channel Island of Sark has been designated as the world’s first ‘dark sky island’ by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA), who choose locations around the world that qualify for “dark sky” status. This effectively makes Sark among the best locations in the world for astronomers to view the night sky and enjoy the clear view of the stars that a truly dark sky allows.

The lack of light pollution and the fact Sark does not allow cars has naturally greatly contributed to creating the ideal conditions for gaining their ‘dark sky’ status. Sark, (population approximately 650), has no street lights, plus many local residents and businesses even went to the effort of altering their own lighting to ensure as little light as possible spilled upwards where it could drown out starlight.

I am lucky enough to live in the Channel Island of Guernsey, which is only a short boat ride away from Sark. As someone who has always had a great deal of affection for the simple beauty and tranquillity of the island, I am truly delighted that it is now getting the recognition it so justly deserves. There are few places left in the world where the main forms of transport are bicycles and horses and carriages, and you really feel the lack of pollution as soon as you set foot on the island.

To quote Professor Roger Davies, president of the Royal Astronomical Society “This is a great achievement for Sark. People around the world are become increasingly fascinated by astronomy as we discover more about our universe, and the creation of the world’s first dark sky island in the British Isles can only help to increase that appetite. I hope this leads to many more people experiencing the wonders of a truly dark sky. ”

I couldn’t agree more. I have visited parts of the world where the night sky is spectacularly clear, and it has always been noticeable upon returning to Britain that the sky is never quite the same. It is only when I have then visited places like the island of Sark that I have realised we can find such conditions close to home as well, and without having to travel the many hundreds of miles one might expect to.

The award followed a long process of community consultation, an assessment of sky darkness, and an audit of all the external lights on Sark.

To quote Conseilleur Paul Williams, chair of the island’s agriculture committee, which oversees environment issues, “Sark becoming the world’s first dark sky island is a tremendous feather in our environmental cap, which can only enhance our appeal. Sark is a wonderful island and this recognition will bring our uniqueness and beauty to a wider audience .”

Sark already boasts a unique combination of history and culture which attract over 40,000 visitors per year, but this will surely add another major attraction to lure in potential visitors and Sark will likely see a boost in tourism, especially among amateur astronomers who might visit to take advantage of the island’s crisp, clear skies during winter months.

To preserve their Sky quality, Sark’s government has pledged to conform any future lighting to IDS Community requirements. As the island has no public lighting, much of the heavy lifting required to demonstrate a commitment to dark skies is being handled by the island’s residents. Several of the large hotels on the island have refitted or adjusted their lights, along with the school, the hall, and numerous other prominent buildings, improving even more the quality of Sark’s night sky, where due to its ideal location, a fabulous view of the Milky Way can already be enjoyed.

Via: Article Base