In the past due to unpredictable weather and short days I have found February Half term can be a tricky holiday for planning active outdoor activities. It can be tempting to restrict adventuring and even flee abroad. However, there is now a very special festival that takes place in a number of the National Parks that makes this holiday my new favourite time of the year. The Dark Skies Festival runs from 15th February to 3rd March 2019.
The festival is jointly hosted by Northumberland, North York Moors, South Downs and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. The National Parks remain some of the darkest places in England and are therefore perfect locations to promote the Dark Skies.
The Dark Skies Festivals are all about discovering, learning and enjoying the outside in the dark and the stars you can see as a result. This could mean getting out for a led activity such as cycling, walking, running or caving at night, or even attending a stargazing party. Even if the weather is a bit brutal or you have young children there are loads of ways to take part in a daytime event, such as learning more about star constellations or making and flying a rocket.
Don’t worry if you are not quite Brian Cox in your knowledge of our solar system. There are events for families, first-time stargazers and those wishing to expand their knowledge or astrophotography skills further. The events are provided by an array of local organisations in each location including the National Park Authorities, local councils and businesses.
My business Stage 1 Cycles is situated in the Yorkshire Dales National Park Visitors centre in Hawes. We are extensively involved in the festival which is a brilliant start to the outdoor season. The Yorkshire Dales boasts the 2nd darkest spot in England and a number of Dark Sky Discovery sites.
The BIG MOON challenge ride.
This event is to give the children an opportunity to make different weaved crafts using reflective and glow in the dark materials. The children will weave a space mat and create a galaxy to take home. Included in museum admission.
The Dark Skies Festival in the Yorkshire Dales is well established over the last 3 years and definitely worth a visit.
It’s amazing what you can see and do in the dark!!!
Don’t worry if you can’t get to any of the festival sites this February truly dark skies – can be found in many of our national parks – allowing us to see far-off stars and galaxies, without the orange glow of street lights and neon signs.
As well as star gazing, our most northerly National Park offers the best chance for a view of the Aurora Borealis (northern lights) too.
Lake District National Parks: Dark Sky Discovery Site at Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre. Low Gillerthwaite field centre runs special star-gazing events throughout the year.
There are lots of great astronomy apps available including stargazing guides to help you learn about the night sky. But remember that a bright screen will stop your eyes fully adjusting to the dark.
A good pair of binoculars is as useful at night as they can be in the day.
Keep your eyes in night vision mode. Use a red bike light or paint a cheap torch lens with red nail varnish.
Even on a sunny day, after the sun goes down temperatures plummet. Layers of clothing work best rather than one big warm ‘all or nothing’ coat!
Waiting for wildlife, for clouds to clear or simply for your eyes to get used (about 20 mins) to the dark takes patience.