{"id":33473,"date":"2022-06-30T12:42:56","date_gmt":"2022-06-30T12:42:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skyatnightmagazine.com\/?p=109905"},"modified":"2022-06-30T12:52:16","modified_gmt":"2022-06-30T12:52:16","slug":"best-stargazing-tents-2022","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/rss_feed\/best-stargazing-tents-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"Best stargazing tents, 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Ezzy Pearson\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Thursday, 30 June 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Astronomy is a wonderful way to unwind and relax, and so what better activity for your trip away than looking at the sky from a stargazing tent.<\/p>\n

As we head into the summer holidays, many people are turning to camping holidays as a way to beat the queues at the airport and avoid the costly expense of hotels.<\/p>\n

But camping holidays are also a great opportunity to do some stargazing<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Located away from urban centres, camping offers not only a get away from the stresses of modern life, but light pollution<\/a> as well.<\/p>\n

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Skellig Star Party is an annual event held in the southwest of Ireland, in one of the darkest regions in Europe. Credit: Dave Connolly<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

It\u2019s why star parties \u2013 where dozens of like-minded astronomers gather together to watch the stars \u2013\u00ad have found such a home in the campgrounds of the UK.<\/p>\n

Thankfully, there are lots of places to stargaze in the UK<\/a> where you can put up your canopy under the stars, including several official Dark Sky Places, recognised by the International Dark Sky Association.<\/a><\/p>\n

But once you\u2019ve decided where to go, bought your travel telescope and accessories, there\u2019s still one all important piece of equipment you will need \u2013 a stargazing tent.<\/p>\n

How to choose a tent for stargazing while camping<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Astronomy camping during Salisbury Star Party, August 2010. Using red lights will help you see in the dark while not spoiling your dark-adapted vision. Credit: Jon Hicks<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

What kind of tent you need really depends on what kind of stargazing camping trip you\u2019re taking.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re heading out or a family holiday, then astronomy is likely to just be one concern of many.<\/p>\n

In that case tents with large windows that look skyward, but which can also be used for sleeping or as dedicated relaxing areas, are a good option.<\/p>\n

For those going on trips where the primary goal is observing dark skies with your best telescopes or you\u2019re heading off to a star party<\/a>, then you\u2019ll want something that can accommodate all your equipment.<\/p>\n

In that case you\u2019ll be looking for tents with dedicated storage areas or vestibules where you can keep your kit.<\/p>\n

You also might want to look for tents that you can fully stand up in, so you won\u2019t have to crawl around on your knees or bend over double as you set up your equipment.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also a good idea to bring a suitable astronomy or stargazing chair<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What to bring on an astronomy camping trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Credit: Jon Hicks \/ Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The kind of trip you are undertaking will determine what you need to bring on an astronomy camping trip.<\/a><\/p>\n

If you want a more detailed look at how to plan your trip, head on over to our guide to astronomy travel<\/a>, but for now here\u2019s a kit list of the essentials for astronomy camping.<\/p>\n