Stargazing

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Stargazing

Why is the North Pennines good for stargazing?

The North Pennines has some of the darkest skies in the country where you can see 1000s of stars on clear nights, so it’s the perfect place for stargazing. Here, you are away from busy towns and cities where there is lots of light spillage which creates that familiar orange glow and blocks out the stars.

The North Pennines has its very own observatory based at Allenheads Contemporary Arts overlooking the village of Allenheads in the Allen Valleys.

When and where to see the stars

The best time to see the stars is on evenings in the autumn, winter and early spring when the sky is darker. Ideally there would be a quarter or new moon, because a full moon is often quite bright and can obscure the stars.

Astronomy news

It’s also a good idea to check out astronomy related news before setting out in case there’s something in particular to look out for. For example there could be a meteor shower, the International Space Station could be passing over or there might be a particularly bright planet that night.

North Pennines Stargazing Festival

We have held four North Pennines Stargazing Festivals in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021, and an online Stargazing Week in 2020. The events and activities are tailor-made to help you unlock the wonders of the dark skies in the North Pennines AONB.

In 2022 the Stargazing Festival runs from 21 to 30 October. Please visit our festival page for more information.

Dark Sky Discovery Sites

Anywhere in the North Pennines that is away from street lights will be good for stargazing, but some of the best spots have all been designated as Dark Sky Discovery Sites.

Top tips

You really don’t need much kit for stargazing, but here are some tips to get you started:

Wear warm clothes – On cold winter nights wear lots of layers. You can get very cold standing still, so make sure you have a hat, gloves and sturdy shoes with thick soles.
Snacks – Take some food and ideally a flask of a hot drink to help you keep warm.
Seating – Standing looking upwards can put a strain on your neck, so you could take a picnic rug to lie on or a deck chair to sit in.

Equipment

With a pair of binoculars it is possible to get detailed views of the stars and of the Moon. You don’t need an expensive pair; a simple pair that you know how to use is best.

Some serious stargazers may wish to use a telescope, but unless you know how to use it properly it can become more of a hindrance than a help.

A red torch or a torch with red film taped across the lens will help you keep your night vision ability, unlike a white light which blinds your eyes and means you won’t see as many stars.