What Is A Dark Sky Community?

A "dark sky community" means this inhabited area has very little light pollution thus  a darker night sky, making it a prime destination for viewing the stars.

Sark, one of the islands between England and France, was designated as the world's first "dark sky island" last week by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA).

Sark is three miles long with a picturesque coastline. The Milky Way is extremely visible on the island as there is no street lighting and no motor vehicles with the exception of the occasional tractor.

The move to get the island designated as "an International Dark Sky Community was  supported by nearly everyone on the island, individuals and businesses, who see the benefit of astronomy as a way of supporting the local economy.

With the new designation, it is hoped that more stargazers and tourists will visit the island year-round.