Howard L.G. Parkin MBE. BSc. BEd. FRAS.

Inspired by the space race in the 1960s, Howard has been an enthusiastic astronomer since childhood and has become an accomplished and entertaining speaker on the subject throughout the world. Howard holds a Teachers Certificate, and an Open University BSc in astronomy and earth sciences. Howard has been teaching astronomy at the University College of Man since 1985. He is a founder member, former chairman (2004 to 2014) and is currently the vice-chairman of the Isle of Man Astronomical Society. In July 2013, in recognition of his work in education and outreach, Howard was elected as a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, and in 2019 was awarded an honorary BEd degree by Chester University. In 2021, Howard was awarded the British Astronomical Association (BAA) Sir Patrick Moore Award for his work in encouraging popular astronomy. He was presented with the award by the BAA president at their December 2021 meeting. In King Charles III’s New Year Honours list for 2025, Howard was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his for “outstanding services to the understanding of Astronomy and the Manx Community.” In 2009, courtesy of NASA and Manx National Heritage, Howard hosted a uniquely special event when a live link with the International Space Station was set up at the Manx Museum by which Howard and several Manx schoolchildren spoke live for over 40 minutes with U.S. astronaut Nicole Stott. Since retiring in 2012, he delivers regular talks at schools and gives public lectures on various aspects of the subject throughout the Island and the U.K. In recent years, Howard has assisted with the design of numerous special astronomically themed commemorative stamps for Isle of Man (IOM) Post, which have been marketed throughout the world. In 2013, Howard established an astronomy consultancy and promotions company, AstroManx, and through his work, he obtained Dark Skies Discovery status for the Isle of Man; initially for seven sites in 2011, and 19 further sites in 2014, formally leading to the Island being recognised as one of the best places to stargaze in the British Isles. In 2018 Howard became the first resident astronomer for Viking on their cruise ships Viking Orion and Viking Jupiter. Each ship has an onboard Digistar 6 planetarium. In May 2018, Howard travelled to Salt Lake City, Utah to undertake intensive training on the operation of the facilities. Howard's role with Viking also includes writing and delivering iconic lectures on astronomy and the work of NASA. He has now lectured on 45 cruises on 20 different ships throughout the world where his presentations have been acclaimed by guests and for their informative, amusing and educational content, and for his infectious enthusiasm. In 2021, Howard’s first book, Space for Dark Skies, was published that covers the subject of astronomy from his own perspective and is aimed at enthusiasts of any age. In September 2022, Howard was appointed as the DarkSky International (DSI) advocate for the Isle of Man. The DSI Advocate Network is a global community united in its efforts to protect the night from light pollution. For many years now, Howard has been giving talks and lectures on the subject in the Isle of Man, throughout the UK and abroad, and on many cruise ships throughout the world. In December 2013, Howard appeared on BBC’s Songs of Praise programme talking about the Star of Bethlehem, and he appeared again on BBC North-West in February 2017 talking about the Isle of Man’s unique dark skies. He is featured regularly on TV-news programmes and undertakes a monthly astronomy programme on Manx Radio, the Isle of Man’s national broadcaster. Howard writes for magazines and newspapers and hosts regular stargazing trips on the Island for the IOMAS and IOM railways’ “Pie in the Sky” and “Starlight Express” events. Howard is passionate about his work popularising astronomy throughout the world and is always keen to produce and deliver lectures on any aspect of the subject. For further information please contact: Howard L.G. Parkin MBE. BSc. BEd. FRAS AstroManx 21 Wentworth Close Onchan Isle of Man IM3 2JT British Isles E-mail: [email protected] Telephone 0044 624 625755 (h) 0044 7624 432086 (m)