Inspired by the 1960s space race, Howard Parkin attained a BS in astronomy and earth sciences from The Open University and a teaching certificate. He began teaching astronomy in 1985, and until 2012, he worked as a civil servant at Manx National Heritage. In 2013, the same year he became a Royal Astronomical Society Fellow, Howard established the astronomy consultancy AstroManx. And by 2014, he had helped obtain International Dark Sky Place status for 26 Isle of Man sites. In 2018, Howard joined Viking as its first Viking Resident Astronomer, and the following year, he was awarded an honorary BEd from the University of Chester.

Howard is a member of several respected astronomical organizations, including the Isle of Man Astronomical Society, joining as a founding member and later serving as chairman and now vice chairman and press officer. He also makes regular appearances on TV, radio and podcasts, and writes monthly columns for local publications.