Lecturer, Howard Parkin has been sharing his astronomical expertise for nearly four decades and has no intention of stopping any time soon.
Howard began his teaching career at the Isle of Man College in 1985, now known as University College Isle of Man, having a genuine interest in all things astronomy and space flight related, he decided to share his knowledge through part time Adult Education classes.
Howard then undertook an Astronomy and Astrophysics degree through The Open University, graduating in 1994, helping to expand his knowledge and further strengthen his teaching abilities.
Astronomical Expert
Keen to continue developing and keeping up to date with the ever-advancing aerospace industry, Howard has visited many space centres throughout the world. .
Howard was delighted in 2021 to be awarded the Sir Patrick Moore Award by the British Astronomical Association, for his ongoing work in outreach and education.
In 2022 he was appointed as the DarkSky International Ambassador for the Isle of Man.
Forty Years in Teaching
Whilst working with Manx National Heritage one of Howard’s highlights was hosting a 2009 Q&A broadcast from the Manx Museum with local secondary school students, live to the International Space Station with NASA astronaut Nicole Stott during her mission.
In 2013 Howard was instrumental in having 26 dark sky sites on the IOM designated as Dark Sky Discovery sites.
Howard’s ‘Astronomy from the Isle of Man’ 12-week course starts on September 24 and ‘The 2025 Manx night sky’ 2-week course begins on February 8.
For more information and to book your place on Howard’s courses, visit www.ucm.ac.im
6 Comments