Manx Sky at Night

Astronomer Howard Parkin explains what we can expect to see in the August dark skies over the Isle of Man, and comments on a couple of top stories from the world of space exploration PLUS full instructions on how to SAFELY watch a solar eclipse -ahead of the event on 12 August. Top of the advice list - NEVER look at the sun with naked eye EVER!

Local Astronomer Howard Parkin explains what we should look out for in our Manx skies during the weeks of July, and shares some of the many stories about recent achievements, and exploration plans, in the world of space

Howard Parkin tells us what we might see - weather permitting - in the Manx skies during May, and chats about some of the latest projects in the ever-changing world of space exploration.

Astronomer Howard Parkin explains all we can see - weather permitting - in the dark skies over our Island during the month of May - and in this month's space news, Howard explains his personal link to the recent Artemis II mission.

More stargazing and space watching in the company of the Isle of Man's resident astronomer, Howard Parkin

Astronomer Howard Parkin describes what we can see in the sky during the month of March, and discusses the biggest stories currently coming from the world of space exploration

Astronomer Howard Parkin explains what we will see (weather permitting!) in the Island's dark skies during the month of February - plus updates on the current space missions - and listen out for his challenge!

Leading Astronomer Howard Parkin MBE talks about the best sights in our solar system that were visible during December - and suggests what the high points for stargazing might be during January. He also has some of the top space stories making headlines now.

Astronomer Howard Parkin MBE discusses what we will see in the December skies over the Isle of Man (weather permitting!) and reports on some of the main space travel stories making the headlines in recent days.

Astronomer Howard Parkin MBE looks at the Manx skies and explains what we can see in the weeks ahead - weather permitting! After a music break from the Moody Blues, we're off into space with some of the biggest stories currently making the news headlines.

Another date with our resident Astronomer, Howard Parkin, looking up to the sky with information of what will be visible in good weather during the month of October - and out into space, catching all the latest stories.

Astronomer Howard Parkin explains what we can see - weather permitting - in the dark skies over the Isle of Man during the month of September - and brings up to date with another selection of the latest space exploration stories

What might we see in the August dark skies over our Island? And is private enterprise going to save space exploration - and revolutionise how we travel? Astronomer Howard Parkin has all the answers in this month's edition of the Manx Sky At Night.

Astronomer Howard Parkin explains what we might see in the July skies over the Island - and could space exploration really be grounded through cancelled projects and budget restraints?

Astronomer Howard Parkin explains what we can hope to see in our June skies, and after an optimistic song choice from The Beatles (Here Comes The Sun!) Howard will discuss some of the top space exploration stories in the news right now. Send your queries and questions for inclusion in future programmes to: howardparkin@manx.net

Astronomer Howard Parkin explains the activity of planets and stars in our Manx skies during the weeks of May, and discusses some of the biggest stories about space exploration currently making news headlines. The music break is a Simon and Garfunkel classic!

Howard is alway happy to receive your questions - email him - howardparkin@manx.net

As the month of March comes to a close, Astronomer Howard Parkin explains what to look for in the April skies over the Island, and updates us on some of the latest space exploration news.

Astronomer Howard Parkin MBE explains what we can look forward to seeing (weather permitting!) in the dark skies over our Island during the weeks of March, and after a music break from Mike Oldfield and Maggie Reilly, Howard delivers a round-up of the latest stories in the world of space exploration - and innovation!

Star gazing, space watching - and talking about the rare sight of the Green Flash. Have YOU seen it? Astronomer Howard Parkin hasn't - and is very envious of those who have! Email Howard with your comments and queries - howardparkin@manx.net

Astronomer Howard Parkin MBE presents the final edition of the programme for 2024 - firstly looking at the stars and planetary activity in the January skies, and then looking back at some of the achievements in space exploration during 2024 - and flagging up the topics that we might be discussing in future programmes.

This month's music break is Men At Work - Down Under

Astronomer Howard Parkin describes the stars and planets which will be visible in our December skies (weather permitting!) and discusses the latest space stories making the news in recent weeks.

Find out what we can see - weather permitting - in our dark skies over the Isle of Man in the coming month of November - then catch up on the significance of some of the latest expeditions into space - all in the company of Astronomer Howard Parkin

This month's music break is from Judith Durham

Howard Parkin explains what can be seen in the sky if we have clear conditions in the coming weeks, and we catch up on the latest space stories - and ask the question - are those astronauts REALLY stranded in space ?

The music break is Neil Young's Harvest Moon and questions for Howard can be emailed - howardparkin@manx.net

In this month's programme, Howard looks forward to the end of Astronomical Twlight - and the chance to see more in the darker skies over the Island.

Perhaps a Perseid meteor shower? The planets Mars and Jupiter are back and - dare we say it - the sun is still very active so it's just possible that there COULD be another aurora!

The music break is Forever Autumn from Justin Hayward, and after that, Howard will be reporting on some of the latest space stories - including - a lunar cave that could be a good place to set up a base on the Moon; Perseverance has found a large rock on Mars which may show fossilised organic material - a sign of life?

Starliner is still at the International Space Station - the 5-day trip now seems as if it will be a 3-month stay for the astronauts - and it's possible that the ISS will be visible from the Island around the end of August - weather permitting!

Queries and questions are welcome - email howardparkin@manx.net

Howard Parkin takes a look into our Manx skies, to describe what we might see, given favourable weather conditions, during the month of July.

It's a golden oldie music break in this edition, and it's followed by the latest space stories, as private companies take an ever-increasing role in space travel and exploration.

Questions for Howard to answer in the next edition of the programme - on the last Sunday of July - can be emailed to howardparkin@manx.net

Astronomer Howard Parkin joins us to look at what we can see in our dark skies over the Island, during the weeks of June - weather permitting! And he can't resist another word or two about the magnificent aurora - and considers the question .... will we see one again anytime soon?

Still with auroras in mind, Howard's music choice this month is Renaissance and Northern Lights and in the second part of the programme he has the latest space stories and updates, including the Boeing Starliner launch, the Chinese lunar sampler, the Starship 4 launch .... and is Elon Musk coming to the rescue of a major programme that's getting too costly ?

Our Manx Resident Astronomer, Howard Parkin, shares some more thoughts following his recent eclipse experience in Texas, and wonders if anyone might like to go with him to Spain for the next one?!

Howard also takes a look at what we might see - weather permitting - in our Manx skies during this month of May, and updates us on the latest space stories.

This month's music break is inspired by Howard's time in Texas - Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton - from his 'Traveller' album

Howard is always happy to receive your comments and questions - email him - howardparkin@manx.net

Howard gets ready for the Eclipse, reviews the recent Starship launch, and previews Manx stargazing prospects in April

As well as telling us what stars will be visible over the Island during January, Howard Parkin has also                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             drawn up a stargazers calendar - significant sights to be seen in our Manx Dark Skies during the coming year - and if you'd like a copy, email your request to howardparkin@manx.net
The music break is from Sailor
In the second half of the programme, Howard brings us up to date with the latest developments in space exploration - there's lots of activity both on the ground and in space - and there's no sign of any of it slowing down!

In the November edition of the programme, Astronomer Howard Parkin tells us what will be visible (weather permitting) in the sky during the coming weeks - the music break is Frankie Goes To Hollywood and The Power of Love, and after that we'll be talking about space - and discussing some interesting and very unexpected data which has come back from the James Webb Telescope.  
If you have any questions for Howard, email him - howardparkin@manx.net 

Astronomer Howard Parkin discusses the movement of Venus, Jupiter and Saturn in the coming weeks - and will there be more meteor showers during November?  And there's even a ghost story - with music to match it, from The Specials
Part two keeps us updated with just some of the current space stories - including - are the scientists really sure that there is life on other planets? Howard explains it all!

The skies are getting darker earlier - which is good news for stargazers!  Amongst the many topics Howard covers in this month's programme are the Equinox on 22nd September, a possibility of seeing Jupiter, Saturn, and the Andromeda Galaxy - as well as a moon that's full, red, blue, and super - but not sturgeon!
The music break is Moonhadow by Cat Stevens
In the second half of the programme, Howard goes into space - with news about Voyager, Boeing Starchaser and Artemis 3
Questions can be emailed to Howard, and will feature in the next edition of the programme - howardparkin@manx.net            

Astronomer Howard Parkin explains what we should be looking for in our August dark skies - including the Summer Triangle, a full Blue Super Moon (that might actually be red!), the appearance of Jupiter and the possibility of a dramatic Perseid Meteor Shower.
The music break is Good Morning, Starshine by Oliver and after that, Howard brings us up to date with some of the top stories about the race into space.
Howard welcomes questions, and suggestions for stargazing or space-related topics for future programmes - email howardparkin@manx,net

Astronomer Howard Parkin tells us what to look out for in our July dark skies, and after a break for a Glastonbury-inspired music choice, he looks at some of the big stories in recent space travel and exploration news.
Howard welcomes your questions - email him - howardparkin@manx.net

Resident Astronomer Howard Parkin describes what we can look for in the dark skies over our Island during the month of April and recalls some of the highlights of stargazing in March. After the music break with Enya, it's time for the latest space news.

We're nearing the end of the 'best' time for stargazing, as the nights become ever-so-slightly lighter for longer - so Astronomer Howard Parkin says 'make the most of these next weeks before the clocks change the end of March!'
There's a brilliant conjunction between Jupiter and Venus in early March - Mars is still bright overhead, and we discuss the exciting prospect of the Aurora Borealis
The music break is Venus by Shocking Blue, and in the second half of the programme Howard brings us up to date with yet more stories of the race to get into space!
Steve Bowen is due to head out on a mission and has promised to look out for the Isle of Man as he passes over us!  Howard well remembers Steve's visit here in 2012, and ahead of this latest mission, Howard sent Steve good wishes from everyone on the Island!
If you have any star or space-related  questions, you're welcome to email Howard - howardparkin@manx.net

For this month's edition of the MANX SKY AT NIGHT, resident Astronomer Howard Parkin takes us on a tour of the IOM Observatory.   Group visits, and visitors on Club Nights are always welcome - email Howard if you'd like more information - howardparkin@manx.net

If the skies are clear enough, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn will all be visible during November; there are a couple of meteor showers in prospect - the Taurids and  Leonids - and there may even be some fireballs visible!
After the music break, Howard shares latest updates from the world of space exploration, and there's an invitation to a fascinating talk on 19 November at The Observatory, organised by the IOMASO - booking details on Eventbrite or email howardparkin@manx.net in case of difficulty.

Howard Parkin explains what we can look out for in our dark skies over the Island, during the months of October (given some clear conditions of course!)  Mars Jupiter and Saturn are visible now, and this is a great time to see the Milky Way in all it's glory!
Other October highlights include the Draconids meteor shower peaking on 7 October in the North sky in the evening; the Orionid meteor shower peaks on 21 October after midnight in the Eastern sky; and there's a partial (25%) solar eclipse around 10am on 25 October

The music break this month is Neil Young's Harvest Moon

Space news includes more information about the delays to the SLS launch - due mainly to poor weather conditions; an update on the Starlink launch; and more great images from the James Webb Space Telescope - now sending back amazing pictures from Mars, Jupiter and Neptune.

Howard is always pleased to answer your astronomy questions - email him - howardparkin@manx.net

Manx Radio's Resident Astronomer HOWARD PARKIN is back with more information about what we can see (if we have good clear conditions) in our wonderful Isle of Man dark skies during the weeks of September.
The first planned launch window for the Artemis 1 Moon Mission was missed due to a mix of technical and weather difficulties, but Howard's enthusiasm for, and knowledge of, this important event, is well worth a listen - plus there's other space news - some of it directly linked to the Isle of Man!
If you have queries or questions for Howard, email him - howardparkin@manx.net 

Join Howard Parkin, as he reflects on some of the best stargazing he's enjoyed during July, and previews some of the activity in the night skies during August - including the possibility of another meteor shower! 

This month's music choice is inspired by a question from a listener in Northamptonshire - 
contact Howard via email - howardparkin@manx.net

In the second part of the programme, Howard talks about the latest images from the James Webb Telescope and brings us the latest news on the ever-changing space scene.

Resident Astronomer Howard Parkin describes the stars, planets and other sights that might be seen in the skies over the Isle of Man during the month of July - if we get clear conditions.
Tonight's music break is a 1950's moon-themed song from Dean Martin
And Howard will, as usual, be taking a look at the latest stories from the world of space exploration, and asking the question - generating electricity in space?  Science fact .... or science fiction ??
Listen - and judge for yourself!
Howard is always happy to receive your questions or comments
email :  howardparkin@manx.net 

Manx Sky at Night is aired live on Manx Radio at 21.30 on the last Sunday of every month

Astronomer Howard Parkin takes his monthly look into our Manx skies, and describes what we might see, given the right conditions, in our dark skies during the month of June.  Tonight's music break is Telstar by the Tornados - but why ? Howard explains!
And there's more news from the world of space exploration - including a report on the amazing James Webb Telescope as it gradually prepares to start work.
Howard welcomes your questions and queries - email him - howardparkin@manx.net

As usual, it's a podcast of two halves!
Astronomer Howard Parkin begins with a look ahead to some of the things we can see in the dark skies over our Island during the month of May - the planets all visible in the morning sky; Venus and Jupiter very close and the possibility of a spectacular meteor storm around 14th May, with a lunar eclipse on May 16th - Howard has all the details in this month's programme. He's also got an update on a big story concerning the Isle of Man Astronomical Society Observatory  ....

After the music break - Frank Sinatra's very appropriate Fly Me To The Moon - Howard will update us on the amazing amount of activity in space! Amongst other topics, he talks about the  Axiom Mission, the NASA SLS launch, the postponement of Exomars - and the latest news on the incredible James Webb Telescope....

Howard is always pleased to receive your comments or questions - email him - howardparkin@manx.net

The next edition of the Manx Sky at Night is on the final Sunday of May  - 29th May 2022 - broadcast live at 21:30 and available immediately afterwards as a podcast

Once again, Manx Radio's resident Astronomer, Howard Parkin, explains how to enjoy the dark skies over our Island in the weeks of March when the planets will start to show the first signs of the end of Winter.  After the music break (Barry Manilow - with a planetary connection!) it's all about space - and telescopes - it's all good news from the amazing James Webb Telescope - but the Hubble is still going strong!
If you have queries or question for Howard, he is always happy to receive your emails - howardparkin@manx.net

Astronomer Howard Parkin describes what will be visible - in the right weather conditions - in our Manx dark skies during the month of February.  After a rather unusual music break (you have to listen and work out the space connection!) Howard gives an update on the latest activities in space - he reports on the progress of the amazing Webb Telescope, and talks more about Starlink -  set to make the Internet more accessible than ever, and the Isle of Man will play an important part in its development.  There's news too  about the first Axiom mission - the first private space station, which might be launched in just a few weeks' time.
If you have any questions for Howard to answer in the next edition of the programme - on the final Sunday of February - you can email him - howardparkin@manx.net

For the last time in 2021, resident astronomer Howard Parkin identifies what we can look for in the dark skies of winter. There's plenty of planetary activity, another meteor shower and a rare opportunity to see Mercury.  And Howard has produced a 'calendar' of what we can expect to see in the skies throughout the coming year - if you'd like a copy of his guide to the Manx night skies in 2022, email him - howardparkin@manx.net
The music break this week is Jubel's Dancing in the Moonlight
In the second part of the programme, Howard has some fascinating facts and figures about the amazing James Webb Telescope which finally launched on Christmas Day.  He explains a lot about its features and what it hopes to achieve - laying the foundations for a subject that we will be discussing in much greater detail during the coming year (and beyond!)
Howard also has a report on a very special visit to London, and information about upcoming talks he'll be giving round the Island during January and February 2022

Now that the clocks have moved back, we have longer dark nights - perfect for star gazing when the skies are clear!  
Howard Parkin describes what we can hope to see in the skies during December - and there are hopeful signs, too - as some of the planets of Spring are beginning to appear.  

After a break for music from Enya (Shepherd Moons) Howard has the latest space exploration news - we talk in detail about the much-misunderstood recent DART Mission, and there's good news - and some fascinating technical information - about the new Webb Telescope.
 
Howard welcomes your questions - and you can order a signed copy of his best-selling book - by emailing him - howardparkin@manx.net

Howard Parkin returns with his monthly look at our Manx skies - this time looking ahead to the month of November, explaining which planets we'll be able to see on clear nights, and when to look for a meteor shower and a eclipse.

Plus Howard has a Halloween story - and a song from William Shatner!  When he recorded 'Rocket Man' in 1978, William Shatner could not have imagined that in 2021, at the age of 90, he would actually be travelling into space!  

Howard has the latest news on commercial space flights, and information about 3 separate missions, each with a different purpose.

As the autumn skies get darker earlier, there's more scope for seeing the planets - Jupiter and Saturn will be dominating the southern sky and can be easily seen in clear conditions - and Venus is on the rise! 

Howard is just about to start his 37th year of teaching at University College Isle of Man - there are still some spaces left on the next course, starting in October - and there's an invitation to a Manx National Heritage stargazing dinner at The Sound.

The music break this month comes from Anne Murray, after which Howard has the space updates - commercial space flight is now a reality - and can it be true that Elon Musk was on the Island recently to sign an agreement with the Manx Government regarding Starlink ?

And last but not least .... Howard's book hits the shelves at the end of September - packed with beautiful pictures and essential facts, it will be in all the Island's booksellers - and available direct from Howard at his evening classes, talks and special stargazing events.

On this month’s programme, Astronomer Howard Parkin looks into our Manx skies and explains what we can hope to see during the month of September, when we now have a couple of hours of darkness each night.

It will be a good time to see the spectacular Milky Way, Cassiopeia - rich in legend - should be visible, and Howard talks about the planets and other activity beginning to be visible in our autumn skies.

This month’s music break is Enya singing Everyone’s Gone To The Moon, which leads neatly into part two of the programme, when Howard brings us the latest space-related news.

For the first time, the Isle of Man features in TWO major space stories!
Space-X on the Isle of Man - could it really be happening? It seems so - and Howard has the details.
And Excalibur Almaz heads to a new home in Jurby!  You’ll probably have seen pictures and videos of it making it’s slow progress from the South of the Island to its permanent base in the Museum in Jurby, but Howard has the full story here.

And speaking of stories - Howard Parkin’s long-awaited new book goes on sale in mid-September 
'Space for Dark Skies'- an astronomical miscellany from the Isle of Man  will be available from 15th September in bookshops around the Island, or direct from Howard himself - howardparkin@manx.net

And you can use that same email address if you have any astronomy-related questions you'd like Howard to answer during our monthly Manx Sky at Night programme

In the fist part of the programme, Astronomer Howard Parkin looks at what we can see - weather permitting - in our Manx skies during the coming month of August.  It's the end of the noctilucent cloud season - it's also the end of the period of no official night time - so some darkness returns - which is good news for stargazers!
Howard talks also about planetary activity - Opposition of Saturn and Jupiter
And he's got news of a forthcoming Perseid meteor shower (one of years best!)

This month's music break is  Whole of the Moon by The Waterboys

In the second part of the programme, we catch up on space news :
Chinese Astronaughts on board their Tiangong space station
Launch of Virgin Galactic
Launch of Jeff Bezos
Fixing the Hubble Space telescope

Astronomer Howard Parkin explains what  we might see in the sky during the month of July - despite the fact that summertime means it's really too light to see the stars clearly.  But Venus is rising higher each night, and you might catch sight of Mercury!  And exactly what are Noctilucent Clouds?

This month's music break is the Blue Danube waltz - but what connects a Strauss composition with the world of space?

And in the second half of the programme, Howard Parkin discusses the two missions to Venus, the Chinese rover on Mars, and life on the International Space Station.  Plus -  Jeff Bezos is about to fly Blue Origins, with his brother - and an auction winner - on board. And the winning bid for 15 minutes in space? Listen  to find out! But Virgin Galactic is likely to fly soon - so, could Branson beat Bezos?

Astronomer Howard Parkin takes his regular monthly look at the Manx skies.  As night skies in June are very light, viewing opportunities are fewer - but when the skies are clear,  the Plough is our guide to finding the spring stars, including Leo and Virgo. Venus is now visible and rising higher each night.
This month's big news story  is the eclipse on 10th June - but DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN.  Howard explains how to safely view, using special filters, or glasses (NOT sunglasses!!)
In the world of space exploration, activity on Mars dominates the news, with the Ingenuity helicopter having already made 6 flights to date - and there have now been more successful missions to Mars, than unsuccessful ones.  
Other space news includes Artemis, Space X and Virgin - all planning private trips later this year - the first strong signs of 'space tourism' ?
And Howard's music choice this month is The Beatles - but which song ?!

The Lyrid Meteor Showers; Planets on show in May; the truth about supermoons - and more - as Howard Parkin looks at what we can see (weather permitting) if we go stargazing in the dark skies over our Island during the month of May.

Howard’s music choice this month is the Star Wars theme … remembering that May the 4th is Star Wars Day (yes - Howard really DID say that!!)

After the music break, Howard has his sights set on space - with news of the mission to Mars,  activity on the International Space Station, an update on the SpaceX Dragon - the reusable cargo spacecraft,  and the Orion Spacecraft.

The Manx Sky at Night with Howard Parkin is broadcast on Manx Radio on the final Sunday of each month, at 9.30pm, and is available as a podcast, shortly afterwards.

For details of astronomy classes, stargazing evenings etc., contact Howard via email: howardparkin@manx.net

Astronomer Howard Parkin looks ahead to the dark skies of April, and explains what we can expect to see whenever we have good visibility over the Isle of Man in the coming weeks.  And once again there are updates on all the latest space projects, and some new stories too.  
Music this week is April Come She Will by Simon and Garfunkel

Astronomer Howard Parkin guides us through the spectacular sights we'll see (weather permitting!) in the dark skies over the Isle of Man during March - and we catch up with all the latest space stories - with activities on Mars making headline news this month!

This month's programme falls during our Island circuit-breaker lockdown, so astronomer Howard Parkin cannot be in the Manx Radio studio as usual.  Instead, he's in his garden in Onchan, gazing at the skies.  Sadly there's too much cloud cover, making 'live' stargazing too difficult - but Howard has plenty of information about what we can see during the month of February, weather permitting of course!  

Howard also has updates on some major space stories, and there's breaking news about asteroids heading for the earth's orbit in early February - but don't worry - we won't be able to see them and they won't do us any harm! 

Howard has a fact sheet available now - it's a month-by-month guide to stargazing over the Island.
If you'd like a copy, email Howard on howardparkin@manx.net

In our dark skies, THAT conjunction - between Jupiter and Saturn - is still visible (weather permitting) in the evenings between 5pm and 6pm .....both are joined by Mercury and the Moon around January 9th, before each go behind the Sun, on the 29th and 24th respectively .....Venus is still visible in the mornings ...and the Quadrantid Meteor Shower peaks on the 3rd/4th January - often overlooked, but probably the third best one of the year.

The music break is Hotel California by The Eagles

And in space news ..... the total collapse of the Arecibo telescope .... Japanese Hayabusa 2 has brought valuable material from Asteroid Ryugu ....Chinese Chang'e 5 has brought a significant amount of  rock back from the Moon ..... and Howard discusses the SpaceX spectacular test launch of Starship SN8 - there was a problem with the final landing, but this shouldn't detract from the fact that the spacecraft used a new technique for re-entry which was a total success.

Astronomer Howard Parkin explains what to look for in the dark skies over our Island during the month of December.  

Highlights include the Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn on 21 December and possibly the best meteor shower of the year - the Geminid, which should be visible around the 12th or 13th December, weather permitting.  

And in the world of space exploration, Howard discusses the recent successful Dragon launch, and reflects on the 20th anniversary of the International Space Station.  

On the other hand, the recent Vega launch failure, and the damage to the Arecibo dish in Puerto Rico are reminders of the dangers and uncertainties still surrounding space exploration.

Howard's music choice this month is Vincent by Don McLean

Astronomer Howard Parkin looks into the wonderful dark skies over our Island and describes what we might see, in clear night-time conditions,  in the coming weeks.  

He also looks back over 20 years of the International Space Station, and has all the latest news on the various expeditions in space already.

The music break this month is VENUS by Barry Manilow

With the longer autumn nights, come even better opportunities to enjoy our dark Manx skies! Astronomer Howard Parkin explains what to look for during October, and he also has news about the latest developments in space exploration - including the possibility of life on Venus, and another moon landing planned for 2025

With the sun setting earlier and rising later, we're getting longer hours of darkness - which is good news for stargazers!  

Howard talks about the autumn equinox, viewing the Andromeda Galaxy and the Milky Way. September is also a great month for catching sight of the planets - Jupiter and Saturn will be dominating the sky soon, but  Howard also explains when and where we can see Mars, Venus and Mercury.  

And in other news ….. Howard talks about his recent  visit to Sark - the first 'dark sky' to be internationally recognised - he discusses what happened to the Arecibo dish, and explains why Betelgeuse was dimming.  And finally ….. the next Dragon Space-X mission, taking four astronauts to the International Space Station,  has been postponed to the end of October - there's just so much happening on the space station - they're waiting for a gap in the traffic!  

Howard will be once again lecturing on astronomy on Wednesday evenings from October, at the University College Isle of Man.  See the college website for course details and how to enrol.

In this edition of the Manx Sky At Night, astronomer Howard Parkin looks at the skies over the Island and explains how to find all the planets -  Saturn, Jupiter, Mars and Venus - which will all be on display if we get some clear nights during the month of August.  
The Perseid Metor Shower will also be another feature in the coming weeks.

The music break this week is - very appropriately - Life on Mars by David Bowie - as there are now three separate missions on their way to explore the planet, all due to arrive on Mars in February 2021.  Howard speculates on what the missions may discover - and looks forward to the return of the Dragon SpaceX from its trip to the International Space Station.  
And as you might imagine, Howard has plenty to say about that amazing comet - Neowise - so named because it was discovered in March this year by NASA's Near Earth Object Widefield Infrared Survey Explorer!  It's been putting on a dazzling display, but once it disappears, the comet won't be seen again for another 6,800 years! 

Howard Parkin is back in the studio, explaining which stars and planets we can look forward to seeing in our wonderful Manx dark skies during the month of July - including those beautiful ice-blue noctilucent (night-shining)  clouds.  

After a song from Fifth Dimension (no - it's not Good Morning, Starshine!) Howard takes a look at the world of space exploration - reflecting on the successful Space X Dragon launch a few weeks ago, and looking forward to the next Space X  launch at the end of August.  

And there are no less than THREE different Rovers from THREE different countries, all setting off to Mars shortly - they won't get there until next February - but why are they going ?  Howard has the story!