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James Martin Observatory - Isle Of Man

James Martin Observatory - Isle Of Man

Higher Foxdale, Foxdale, Isle of Man, IM4 3HB

Best time to visit

The James Martin Observatory is the proud home of the Isle of Man Astronomical Society. The observatory, renamed in August 2023 after the much-loved late founder of the Society, boasts incredible dark skies, ample parking and friendly, welcoming astronomers.

Location events organiser

Isle Of Man Astronomical Society

Isle Of Man Astronomical Society organises events at this location

Please contact Isle Of Man Astronomical Society directly with any enquiries relating to visiting this location

Email: [email protected]
Website: Isle Of Man Astronomical Society
Twitter: @IoM_AS
Facebook: Isle Of Man Astronomical Society

Weather forecast

  • 09/12/24

    6° 0%

  • 09/12/24

    5° 1%

  • 10/12/24

    4° 15%

  • 10/12/24

    4° 3%

Weather forecast for Peel (4.0 miles away) updated 09/12/24 at 16:02.

Local light pollution

James Martin Observatory - Isle Of Man is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to adark site dark site location based on the latest data from the VIIRS satellite.

The above demonstrates the estimated effect of light pollution - graphics created using Stellarium.

Light pollution map of James Martin Observatory - Isle Of Man

Best time to visit

The Moon has a big impact on the visibility of celestial bodies in the night sky. Try to plan your stargazing when there is no bright Moon at night as this is when the skies will be at their darkest.

The below chart shows when the skies will be at their darkest at this location and therefore the best time to visit. Moonlight is shown in light yellow and the Sun's twilight in light blue. Midnight on the date shown is shown as a white line with sunset to the left and sunrise the next morning to the right. A black background with stars shows the best times for stargazing. See our dark sky calendar for more details.

Moon phase on Mon 9th Dec

Mon 9th Dec

First Quarter
54 % illuminated
Dark from 01:44 to 06:58
Dark for 5h 14m
Moon phase on Tue 10th Dec

Tue 10th Dec

First Quarter
65 % illuminated
Dark from 03:14 to 06:58
Dark for 3h 44m
Moon phase on Wed 11th Dec

Wed 11th Dec

Waxing Gibbous
76 % illuminated
Dark from 04:49 to 06:59
Dark for 2h 10m
Moon phase on Thu 12th Dec

Thu 12th Dec

Waxing Gibbous
85 % illuminated
Dark from 06:26 to 07:00
Dark for 0h 34m
Moon phase on Fri 13th Dec

Fri 13th Dec

Waxing Gibbous
92 % illuminated
NO DARKNESS
Moon phase on Sat 14th Dec

Sat 14th Dec

Full Moon
97 % illuminated
NO DARKNESS
Moon phase on Sun 15th Dec

Sun 15th Dec

Full Moon
100 % illuminated
NO DARKNESS

Find more dates

If you are planning to visit this location check our dark sky calendar to find out when is best!

Calendar

Forthcoming events

Below is a list of events at James Martin Observatory - Isle Of Man. View these events on our calendar, add them to your calendar or Google Calendar.

  • Social evening at the Isle of Man Observatory

    Friday 20th December 2024 from 19:45pm to 22:00pm

    James Martin Observatory - Isle Of Man, Foxdale, IM4 3HB

    More info

Stay and gaze nearby

Stay at one of these stargazing-friendly accommodation providers.

  • Rosehill Farm Apartments

    Richmond Hill, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM4 1JH (4.4 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info