Astronomers and weather watchers will be hoping for clear skies this weekend when an evening of star gazing takes place in the south of the island this weekend.

The Dark Skies at the Sound event is set to take place at the Sound cafe on Saturday, February 22, from 8pm.

The evening will be led by local astronomer member of the Isle of Man Astronomical Society Howard Parkin (above), who believes that Sound is one of the best places to views the stars, providing the conditions are right.

’In February, the nights are still long enough for us to have magnificent views of the Manx Night sky,’ said Howard.

’Obviously we are hoping for clear skies, in which case we will head outside to see the splendour of the heavens.’

If cloudy, Howard will give a multimedia presentation about what formations can be seen instead.

The event has been organised by Manx National Heritage, and tickets for the evening, which includes two-course hot buffet supper, are £35, available from manxnationalheritage.com