TEHRAN:Iranaims to set up the country's first dark sky area on an island in thePersian Gulfto promote astronomical research and tourism.
Iran's English-language statePress TVquotes 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.
Najafisays 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.