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There's a very genuine reason for lurking in Galloway Forest Park at night
Galloway Forest Park in the South West of Scotland has been named this week as the first Dark Sky Park in the United Kingdom. The prestigious award, announced by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA), confirms Galloway as being one of the best places for stargazing in the world.
It has long been a favourite destination for astronomers and amateur stargazers thanks to the limited number of buildings within the forest park's boundary ensuring light pollution is kept to an absolute minimum.
Hidden away in the South West of Scotland, Galloway Forest Park is the largest of its kind in the United Kingdom covering 300 square miles. It sits in the heart of Galloway and has some of the most beautiful and dramatic scenery in the South of Scotland.
The Dark Sky Park award marks the culmination of efforts to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy 2009.
Part of the selection process involved giving a rating via a sky quality meter, which measures the darkness of the sky overhead. The higher the sky quality meter reading the better, with the darkest reading of 24 equivalent to standing in a photographer's dark room. Galloway Forest Park was rated 23 on the scale, giving it a gold tier Dark Sky Park award status - the highest achievable and the best condition for viewing distant galaxies. Stargazers regularly view satellites, rockets, the International Space Station, the Milky Way, Andromeda, and even the Northern Lights.
Sadly growing levels of light pollution are causing dark skies to rapidly disappear and less than 10% of people in the UK can now see the Milky Way from where they live.
Until now, there have been only three other Dark Sky Parks in the world - the Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah, the Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania and the Geauga Park in Ohio, making Galloway Forest Park unique in Europe.
WHERE TO STAY?
Craiglemine Cottage & Galloway Astronomy Centre
Glasserton, Nr Whithorn, Dumfries & Galloway, DG8 8NE
01988 500594
www.gallowayastro.com
£28 per person per night (double)
The Centre is located in open farmland with a night sky free of light pollution. A primary aim of the Centre is to provide lots of help and guidance to ensure all visitors get maximum enjoyment out of a visit. If you are just getting interested in astronomy a visit to the Centre can give you a great start.
The centre has a spacious residents lounge & dining room and is a perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing. The Reception Area has a collection of astronomy books to help prepare for a night of observing during which hot drinks are provided. The room has red lighting to help maintain night vision and home cooked evening meals are available on request.
Owner Mike Alexander has over 37 years experience of astronomy and offers a variety of short courses to guests. See the website for details.
Tags: astronomy dark skies light pollution galloway forest park scotland the milky way andromeda dark sky park craiglemine dumfries & galloway
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