There’s a new Dark Sky Park in England… the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) has awarded Gold Tier Dark Sky Park status to the combined areas of Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water & Forest Park, covering nearly 1,500 square kilometres of breath-taking scenery.
The new zone, the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park (NDSP), is the first to achieve gold in England and one of the largest in the world – but it’s not the only place to stargaze. We’ve teamed up with www.visitengland.com to look at the best places where you can search for shooting starts.
Northumberland International Dark Sky Park
The new Northumberland Dark Sky Park comprises the whole of Northumberland National Park and most of Kielder Water & Forest Park, totalling 572 square miles or 14,832 square kilometres. Thanks to there being few street lights, there are excellent opportunities to star gaze here.
The park is home to the Kielder Observatory, perched 1,200 feet above forest and moorland. As Britain’s largest public observatory, the site has attracted more than 43,000 visitors since its opening in 2008.
Their next ‘Star Camp’ runs from February 25 – March 2, 2014 and features a gathering of budding astronomers to observe, photograph and exchange ideas on the night’s sky.
See www.kielderobservatory.org
Exmoor National Park
Exmoor National Park, with its dramatic countryside and rugged coastline, was named Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve in 2011. Good spots for stargazing are Holdstone Hill, County Gate, Brendon Two Gates, Webbers Post, Anstey Gate and Haddon Hill.
On a clear night many astronomical sights can be seen with the naked eye and even more can be discovered through a telescope.
You can even go on a ‘Dark Skies Safari’ to discover the secrets of the skies, where you’ll be provided with a star chart, compass and abundant hot drinks on the three hour tour (autumn – spring only). Prices are £40 for adults and £19.50 for children.
Royal Observatory, Greenwich, London
Explore the secret lives of stars at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich.
Using state-of-the art digital simulation, the lifespans of stars are charted from birth through to death and beyond. Until February 23 2014, the Royal Observatory presents its annual display winning entries from the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition.
From all over the world entrants have captured ethereal images of the sky viewed from Earth, out to swirling nebulae in deep space.
See www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory
Bignor car park, Slindon Estate, West Sussex
One of England’s more unique stargazing locations, Bignor car park occupies a high point on top of the South Downs. Free from light pollution, the Milky Way is clearly visible and the view is awe-inspiring during daylight too.
There are also plenty of footpaths nearby and a variety of wildlife can be spotted in the area; glow worms often flit around the car park, particularly on top of the nearby burial mounds.
See www.nationaltrust.org.uk/slindon-estate
Stonehenge, Wiltshire
Stonehenge has long been associated with astronomy. Situated on the edge of Salisbury Plain, the prehistoric ceremonial landscape of Stonehenge occupies a large, sparsely populated area that is ideal for stargazing.
At one time it was thought to be an astronomical computer, as the monuments are directly connected to the skies above, with stones aligned to moonrises and moonsets.
The first part of the long-awaited environmental improvements to Stonehenge will be the unveiling of a new visitor experience later this month. Tickets cost £8 for adults and £4.80 for children.
See www.english-heritage.org.uk
