Dark skies
13 of the best places for stargazing in the UK
The UK still has fantastically dark places to view the night sky. Here's our pick of some of the best.
6 of the best places for stargazing in Spain
The best stargazing sites to make the most of Spain's beautiful night sky.
Boasting dark skies over rolling landscapes, Scotland offers some of the best places to stargaze in the UK
Scotland offers some of the world’s best views of the night sky. Jamie Carter reveals the country's darkest destinations.
Dark-sky USA! Avoid light pollution and explore the cosmos in these US National Parks perfect for stargazing
The USA is a great place for stargazing: particularly where its many National Parks are concerned.
Why stargazing at Grand Canyon Dark Sky Park is one of best night-sky experiences in the USA
Grand Canyon National Park has embraced its International Dark Sky status.
Heading to Chile for the solar eclipse? Here are 17 of the country's best stargazing sites
Chile is an astronomer's dream. Here are some of its many dark-sky sites and observatories.
Best outdoor lighting to minimise light pollution
The right kind of domestic lighting can make all the difference to stargazing by helping minimise glare.
10 best places for stargazing in Ireland
Our guide to the best places to view the night sky on the Emerald Isle.
We need to talk about light pollution
In this archive article, the late Patrick Moore bemoans the many sources that disrupt our view of the night sky.
Light pollution law: understanding the APPG for Dark Skies
A group of MPs from across the UK political spectrum is aiming to strengthen the law around excess lighting and reduce light pollution.
Best places to stargaze in England
England has some amazing dark sky places perfect for stargazing and astronomy, where starry night skies can be seen all year round.
Best UK cities for stargazing revealed in new study
Bristol is the best city for stargazing, according to a new survey that ranks 16 of the UK's cities in order of light pollution levels.
UK parliamentary group calls for dark sky legislation
The APPG for Dark Skies has called on the government to implement new legislation to control and mitigate light pollution across the UK.
How Prosiect Nos is helping to protect Wales's dark skies
Can we save the UK from light pollution? In Wales, Prosiect Nos is seeking to improve the country's already-outstanding dark skies.
OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory
Northern Ireland gained its first ever Dark Sky Park with the opening of OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory in County Tyrone.
61% live under 'severe light pollution', says UK survey
Star Count 2020, a citizen science survey organised by countryside charity CPRE, suggests light pollution is a major issue for Britons.
Stargazing in the Brecon Beacons
Martin Griffiths, Director of Brecon Beacons Observatory, reveals what the Welsh National Park can offer stargazers and astronomers of all abilities.
The best places to stargaze in Wales
Wales has the highest proportion of protected dark skies in the world, and some of the best places for stargazing.
Cranborne Chase becomes UK International Dark Sky Reserve
The International Dark-Sky Association has awarded Cranborne Chase in the UK Dark-Sky Reserve status, confirming it as one of the best places in the country for views of the night sky.
The best places in eastern Europe for stargazing
Astronomers and astrophotographers are discovering a growing dark-sky scene in Europe’s eastern reaches.
African astronomy: where to stargaze on the continent
With some of the best ‘astro-farms’ and stargazing hotels, some under southern hemisphere night skies, Africa is fast becoming an intriguing dark-sky destination for astronomers.
Radio Astronomy Podcast | Light pollution and Mars rovers
In the April episode of Radio Astronomy, the BBC Sky at Night Magazine crew look at the effects of light pollution, talk about the trials and tribulations of the Mars rovers and delve deep into Jupiter’s atmosphere.
A guide to dark sky classifications
How the world’s darkest stargazing sites are classified, and what it means for observers.
Extraordinary Exmoor: keeping the skies dark
We speak to Dan James of the Exmoor National Park Authority about the International Dark Sky Reserve and plans for the future.