The UK has a growing number of great places to go stargazing \u2013 our expert guide on the best locations to stargaze in Britain, advice to help you see more in the dark, and basic stargazing equipment to help you get started <\/p>
Light pollution has been a real problem for astronomers in the UK. Street lights, industrial estates and motorway illuminations have all made it harder to get a good view of the night sky. But in recent years, volunteers and enthusiasts have joined forces with the National Trust<\/a>, the National Parks and the DarkSky International (DarkSky) to make stargazing a reality again in many parts of the UK, by reducing lights, or replacing them with non-polluting models.<\/strong><\/p> Our expert stargazing guide shares the best locations to stargaze in Britain, advice to help you see more in the dark, and basic stargazing equipment to help you get started.<\/p> Dark Sky Discovery Sites are designated by DarkSky as being sufficiently low in light pollution to allow the viewing of exceptionally starry skies. They also offer facilities that promote dark-skies education and appreciation. It must adhere to guidelines set by DarkSky, such as: it should be 100m\u00b2 in area; either the seven main stars in Orion or The Milky Way must be visible to the naked eye; it must be accessible to wheelchair users; and ideally the site should be freely open to the public.<\/p> DarkSky has recognised many Dark Sky Discovery sites in the UK which are classed as ‘Orion’ sites and ‘Milky Way’ sites. You can view all of the sites on an interactive map<\/a>. Dark Sky Places\u00a0are larger areas of land where you can stargaze \u2013 in the UK, these are often national parks. The UK’s Dark Sky Places are:<\/p> Your first encounter with dark skies is a truly memorable experience. Away from light pollution, the Milky Way dominates the sky and the familiar constellations are filled with countless stars. But where to go to get the best views? Chris Bramley, editor of BBC Sky at Night Magazine<\/a><\/em>, rounds up some of the UK’s best starry-sky sites.<\/p>
What is a Dark Sky Discovery Site?<\/h2>
Where are the UK’s Dark Sky Discovery Sites?<\/h2>
Where are the best places for stargazing in the UK?<\/h2>
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Northumberland Dark Sky Park<\/a><\/h3>