TEHRAN: Iran aims to set up the country's first dark sky area on an island in the Persian Gulf to promote astronomical research and tourism.

Iran's English-language state Press TV quotes 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.

Najafi says 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.