eyes to the skies...
With significantly lower levels of light pollution than the rest of the UK, the Isle of Wight is a superb spot for taking in the ethereal beauty of the cosmos. If you're wondering where to see this year's meteor showers, look no further.
Crisp, clear nights reveal a sparkling canvas of stars, and whether you’re a keen astronomer or a curious beginner, the Island’s dark skies are something to behold.
WHAT CAN I SEE?
What might I see stargazing on the Isle of Wight?
THE MILKY WAY
On clear nights, the band of the Milky Way can be visible, stretching across the sky. If not visible with the naked eye, a high quality camera should pick it up.
CONSTELLATIONS
Spot major constellations like Orion (the Hunter), Ursa Major (the Big Bear), Cygnus (the Swan), Cassiopeia (the Queen) and Delphinus (the Dolphin) amongst others.
METEORS
The Isle of Wight is a great place to catch meteor showers, such as the Quadrantids in January, the Perseids in August, and the Geminids in December. It's rare but also possible to catch comets as they pass by.
PLANETS
Depending on the time of year, you might see bright planets like Jupiter, Venus, or Mars, appearing as bright stars that don't twinkle. Try using a smartphone app to navigate the night sky.
THE MOON
This one may sound less impressive, however different phases of the lunar cycle can be seen in greater detail from the dark skies of the Isle of Wight, such as each full moon of the month, red moons (a lunar eclipse), and blue moons which occur roughly once every 2.7 years.
STARGAZING TIPS AND TRICKS
Although most rural locations on the Island offer dark skies, you'll reap more rewards at certain sites. Top Island stargazing spots include Fort Victoria Country Park, Compton Bay, Culver Down and Freshwater Bay.
You can find convenient car parks nearby to all of the above, so you needn't stray too far in the dark. Remember to bring a blanket, chairs, a hot drink flask, binoculars, and a camera if you wish to take photos.
If you don't have a fancy camera, try downloading a professional camera smartphone app to get the most out of your device. Ideally you'll want a wide aperture (e.g. f/2.8), a shutter speed between 10 and 25 seconds, and to set an ISO between 3200 and 6400.
If you'd prefer a guided experience, you'll find a warm welcome every Thursday from 8pm at Vectis Astronomical Society in Newchurch. Admission is free of charge, though donations are gratefully received. They also offer talks and meetings which are open to all. Alternatively, for a fee, Island Astronomy offer stargazing evenings in the West Wight, but sessions must be booked in advance.
For more Island inspiration, see our Explore section.
Find Ways To Save.
Book your ferry travel to the Isle of Wight today!