Iran Aims to Set Up its First Dark Sky Area

Iran aims to set up the country's first dark sky area on an island in the Persian Gulf to promote astronomical research and tourism.

Iran's English-language state Press TV quotes the director of Iran Sky Party, Hooman Najafi, as saying Wednesday the so-called dark sky park — an area kept free of artificial light pollution to promote astronomy and stargazing — will be established on Qeshem, the biggest Iranian island in the Gulf.

Najafi says climatic conditions in southern Iran provide a suitable environment for astronomical activities. His group hosted its second festival on Qeshm last month.

The island, near the strategic strait of Hormouz, is widely known for its ecotourism attractions.