Point your eyes to the sky this August and experience a wealth of amazing sights at seven of the National Trust’s top spots for star gazing, with the help of our simple guides to the night sky.
Big open skies are a defining feature of the countryside and on a clear night you can see thousands of stars, as well as galaxies and planets sparkling in the universe.
Our dark sky guides to the summer stars are perfect for families and anyone unfamiliar with astronomy and include information about the different phases of the moon, key constellations to look out for during August, and nocturnal wildlife, from bats and glow worms to badgers and owls.
Jo Burgon, the Trust’s Head of Access and Recreation, said:
'Light pollution has increased so much in recent years but the deeper countryside provides the perfect place to explore the beauty of the night sky, away from the intrusive glow.'
'Whether at Black Down, the highest point in Sussex, or on the peaceful, sandy beach at Penbryn in Wales, the National Trust has many places to savour the fascinating mysteries of the universe above us.'
'There’s so much to look at and it won’t cost you anything, so spending time looking at the night sky is time well spent'.
2009 is the International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) commemorating the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei’s use of a telescope to study the sky. It’s a great chance to discover the stars and all the wonder they hold.
Steve Owens, the IYA2009 UK Co-ordinator, said:
'People have lived under the stars and wondered at the cosmos for thousands of years, but nowadays most people live in towns and cities, where our view of the universe is diminished by the ever-present light pollution. During the International Year of Astronomy 2009 we want as many people as possible to get out into the countryside and look up. The National Trust has many excellent places where you can see an unspoiled night sky.'
Of course, August isn’t the only time for star gazing; it’s great all year round and our website offers a basic introduction to astronomy, including monthly constellation guides, useful facts about the universe and where to find local astronomy groups and events near you.
So pack your binoculars and go in search of the stars at one of these top National Trust places. All of these guides will be available to download for free at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/darkskies on 20 July.
Black Down in Sussex
Get closer to the stars on the highest point in the South Downs, just over a mile from the town of Haslemere.
Teign Valley in Devon
Discover the stars at one of South Devon’s beauty spots set within Dartmoor National Park and close to Castle Drogo.
Penbryn Beach in Wales
Beautiful, unspoilt mile-long beach on the Ceredigion coast in west Wales, great for a bit of star gazing and a late night paddle!
Stonehenge Landscape in Wiltshire
Step back in time and discover the ancient skies of Salisbury Plain’s chalk downlands, home to the impressive prehistoric stone monument.
Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve in Cambridgeshire
Close to historic Ely, the wild landscape of the National Trust’s oldest nature reserve offers dark skies and a wealth of nocturnal wildlife to listen out for.
Mam Tor in Derbyshire
Escape the bright city lights of Sheffield and experience the peace and tranquillity of Mam Tor’s dark skies in the Peak District.
Friar’s Crag in Cumbria
Surrounded by the breathtakingly beautiful scenery of the Lake District, Friar’s Crag in Keswick juts out into the spectacular lake of Derwentwater; a restful place to contemplate the world above us.
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