I am in need of dark night skies

Leviathan2009

And no it is not for any questionable activities.

I have just finished an Astronomy course with the Open University. But the biggest barrier for me is finding somewhere out of the way where I can engage in my astronomy in peace and quiet.

I would like a place devoid of gremlins, err I mean children and teenagers.

Any thoughts on what fits the bill?
Cheers.

alanrowell

But here, on the edge of the Galloway Forest Park, locals are preparing to celebrate its recognition as a Dark-Sky Park, an award unique in Europe, that will rank this lonely corner of southwest Scotland alongside only two other areas in the world.

Leviathan2009

An achievement you should be proud of. People have no idea what they are missing out on because of the light polution.

The government could save millions in encouraging pupils to take up science if they just switched the lights off for a minute and then tell them to look up.

scottishminnie

I have very limited knowledge of this however I had a colleague who used to take part in observation activities at Culloden - I think this will be what she referred to

http://www.spacegazer.com/calendar.asp?pageid=65618

I also know that Airdrie and Renfrew both have observatories which are open to the public - not sure how peaceful or devoid of monsters they would be though:)

scotsbob

If you are in the west of Glasgow, then try Glen Fruin, just behind Helensburgh. It's only about 30 minutes away. A fomer colleague used to go there with an astronomy group.

Further north, anywhere between the Rest and Be Thankful and Inverary will be dark enough and only 60-90 minutes by car.

Leviathan2009

Thanks for that Scotsbob. My telescope is on order and I have already roped my mum in as navigator for reading the map to get there.

cdam

Congrats, it takes a hell of a lot of determination and willpower. Good for you.

Dark nights, well, I am a bit West of Inverness and we will be having darkness from 4.30pm until about 7.00am very soon, (even longer by mid December) and have very little light pollution, although guaranteeing a clear night can be problematic, but when we get one, wow...

owtfornowt_2

I was just at meeting for the Science & Engineering week in March '11 this week and we had a speaker called Steve Owens who was Co-ordinator of the International year of Astronomy (09).

Perhaps if you search for him & his contact details he maybe able to help you, he helped to set up the Galloway Dark Sky Park so may know of other place. He also recommended the website portaltotheuniverse.org

Also a guy called Sandy Smith (Regional Officer for the British Science Association) is based at the Science Centre who may be of some use.

Good luck.

Leviathan2009

Thanks for the info cadam and owtfornowt.

I had thought about contacting the Glasgow Astronomical Society - but to be honest they seemed a bit high brow for me.

ailuro2

We were at Doune last week, and noticed a marked difference between there and home ( here in Dundee)

I'd suggest getting as far out of the city as you can then stopping at a picnic area. The neds and doggers shouldn't be there.:rotfl:

heading for the coast rather than inland should give better results too - no lights from the west that way.;)

flyingscotno1

Might be of help-

http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ilwwcm/publishing.nsf/Content/els-jcp-access-to-coats-observatory