A small Welsh island, Ynys Enlli, has been designated as Europe's first, and so far only, Dark Sky Sanctuary—one of the places with the best-preserved night skies in the world. Only 16 other sites in the world have received the sanctuary designation.
The status identifies places that have so little light pollution that they are ideal for stargazing and astronomical observation. The International Dark Sky Association describes them as having “exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural, or educational value, its cultural heritage and/or public enjoyment.”
The UK and Europe also have a number of Dark Sky Reserves, a lesser designation that recognizes areas of significant dark sky, but not as clear as a sanctuary.
Ynys Enlli's dark is protected in part by a mountain that blocks light from the Welsh mainland, and also by having only a small colony of local residents; from March to October, visitors can rent one of the 10 holiday cottages on the island.
Image: Eric Jones/Wikimedia
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