Bookings are now being taken for the last four Pie in the Sky events of the season.
The popular stargazing and supper evenings are held at the restaurant on the summit of Snaefell.
Later this month is the Far Sights In Fall on September 27 and 28, followed by the Meteor Specials on October 18 and 19.
Organised with the Isle of Man Astronomical Society, diners will be treated to an illustrated lecture on the night sky in the event of poor visibility.
Howard Parkin, chairman of the IOMAS, said: ‘This is the third year that we have undertaken these events and they have proved to be extremely popular.
‘The autumn sky is quite spectacular. For our September dates, the moon will not rise until about midnight so the Milky Way will be clearly visible along with the fantastic sight of the Andromeda galaxy a mere 2.5 million light years away. This object is a must see through a telescope but will hopefully also be visible to the naked eye.
‘The October dates will give us the opportunity to see the magnificent sight of the full moon. On all of our nights at the summit there is always the possibility of seeing some meteors, or shooting stars. In October the regular Orionid shower peaks on the 21st, so it is very possible we will see some Orionids a few days earlier. On any of the nights if clear we will almost certainly be able to see various satellites passing over our skies and in October the unmistakeable International Space Station will be visible whilst we are at the summit.’
Pie in the Sky trams depart Derby Castle at 6.40pm and Laxey at 7.15pm, with return trams departing Snaefell Summit at 11pm, arriving back at Laxey at 11.30pm and Derby Castle, Douglas, just after midnight.
Places, priced £29 per person including transport, supper and stargazing, can be booked direct with the Snaefell Summit Restaurant tel: (01624) 673631. Stargazers are advised to bring warm clothes.
Far Sights In Fall: Friday, September 27 and Saturday 28
In September the Manx sky will have no bright planets visible but the faint Uranus and Neptune may be visible through the telescopes. The wonderful group of stars known as the summer triangle will be clearly visible and the lack of moonlight will mean that the Milky Way will be visible stretching right across the sky. In the south eastern sky the Andromeda galaxy – just 2.5million light years away – will be visible.
Meteor Special: Friday, October 18 and Saturday 19
While no planets will be visible, the longer nights of October and the splendour of the Milky Way and the Andromeda galaxy makes the Manx autumn sky spectacular. This weekend is just a few days away from the peak Orionid meteor shower. As we train our telescopes towards England, look out for some meteors – shooting stars – that often blaze across the skies at this time of year.
To book ring 673631