International Dark Sky Sanctuary
Mata ki te Rangi - Eyes To the Sky
Pitcairn Islands only Island group in the world to be a designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary
Pitcairn’s IDSS encompasses all 4 islands in the island group, a total land area of 43.25 km2.
Artificial light at night has revolutionized the way we live and work outdoors, but it can come at a price. When used indiscriminately, outdoor lighting can disrupt wildlife, impact human health, waste money, and energy, contribute to climate change, and block our view of the universe. It important we protect the quality of our night skies.
The Pitcairn Islands have exceptionally stunning dark skies, free from all light pollution. In late 2018 the Government of Pitcairn Islands made application to the International Dark Sky Association (IDSA) for the 4 islands in the Pitcairn Islands group to be granted the status of an International Dark Sky Sanctuary (IDSS).
On March 18th 2019 the IDSA formally approved Mata ki te Rangi
Pitcairn was officially designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, one of only 15 in the world. Pitcairn was the first British Overseas Territory to have been granted IDSS status and is also currently one of only 2 entire territories in the world to be listed as an IDSS.
The International Dark-Sky Association promotes win-win solutions that allow people to appreciate dark, star-filled skies while enjoying the benefits of responsible outdoor lighting.
Photos © Chris Pegman for Pitcairn Islands Tourism
Known as “Mata ki te Rangi” (Eyes to the Sky) International Dark Sky Sanctuary, our IDSS encompasses all 4 islands in the Pitcairn Islands Group, a total land area of 43.25 km2.
Pitcairn is one of the 4 islands in the Pitcairn Islands Group and the only inhabited island.
The other three islands are Oeno, Henderson and Ducie. Henderson is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to many endemic species of flowering plants, birds and insects. All 4 islands are surrounded by a Marine Protected Area. At 834,000 sq. km, it is one of the largest in the world.
Pitcairn Island itself is one of the world’s most remote inhabited islands. It lies in the South Pacific approximately 2300 km east of Tahiti and 6500 km west of northern Chile. At latitude 25.1 degrees, it is just south of the Tropic of Capricorn, the climate and vegetation are sub-tropical.
The Pitcairn Islands group has a rich history but Pitcairn itself is best known for the place where the mutineers of HMAV Bounty chose to settle in January 1790, together with 12 Polynesian women and six Polynesian men, mainly from Tahiti. Today the population of Pitcairn is less than 50, although the population reached a maximum of over 230 in the 1930s. It has been declining steadily since and the government has initiated a repopulation strategy.
The Government of Pitcairn Islands (GPI) has enacted an Outdoor Lighting Management Regulation. A group of islanders have been trained in the essentials of star-gazing and using telescopes and binoculars and an education and outreach programme has been implemented. Small Astro-tourism ventures have been established as new activities to help boost the island’s visitor economy and marketing Pitcairn’s pollution free night skies began in 2019.
Latest Dark Sky Photos Taken On Island
Milky Way Mata ki te Rangi
Beyond Garnets Ridge Pitcairn Islands Dark Sky Sanctuary. Mata ki te Rangi - Eyes to the Sky
Mata ki te Rangi Dark Sky Sanctuary - Eyes to the Sky Sabbath Morning After the Rain
Pitcairn's Dark Sky Sanctuary, Mata ki te Rangi - Eyes to the Sky Starlight through the Frangipani tree
The declaration has strengthened Pitcairn’s commitment to protect one of the planet’s most remote and pristine multi-island environments for generations to come.
With Pitcairn’s world-class Marine Reserve, 9 endemic bird species; 10 endemic plants and its Dark Sky Sanctuary, there is much to attract naturalists, historians, astronomers and those looking to one of the most remote islands in the world.
This designation means everything in the world of night sky conservation and international astro-tourism.
Keen to learn more?
Learn about Pitcairn’s World-Class Marine Reserve, check out our on-island accommodations, or read the latest article from The Pitkern Blog. Ready to make a booking? Click here.
Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve
Home to one of the worlds Largest, no-take Marine reserve, covering 840,000 square kilometres.
Since early 2011 the Pew Environment Group’s Global Ocean Legacy project has been working with the Pitcairn islanders on the idea of establishing a large scale marine reserve within their waters.
Pitcairn Island Accommodation
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