Galloway Forest Park and Coll Named Top Stargazing Spots in the UK
Two Scottish areas have recently been recognized as some of the best stargazing spots in Britain, with skies described as “black as velvet.” Galloway Forest Park in the southeast of Scotland and Coll in the Inner Hebrides have made their mark on the stargazing map, standing out among other locations like Sark in the English Channel and the Snowdonia Dark Sky Reserve in Wales.
Galloway Forest Park: A Haven for Stargazers and Wildlife
Galloway Forest Park, covering 300 square miles of mixed landscape, has been hailed as a “haven” for wildlife, home to creatures like otters and pine martens. This remote area boasts some of the best dark skies in Europe, earning the title of the UK’s first-ever Dark Sky Park back in 2009. Stargazers can witness the Milky Way year-round and catch sight of various constellations like Cassiopeia, Leo, Gemini, Regulus, Capella, and the Pleiades star cluster.
Coll: A Gem of the Hebrides with Beautiful Beaches and Dark Skies
Four miles west of Mull lies the small Hebridean island of Coll, praised for its stunning beaches, diverse wildlife, and complete absence of street lighting, resulting in skies as dark as velvet. Awarded Dark Sky Community status in December 2013, Coll has been recognized as one of the premier places for astronomy in the UK. Recent sky brightness meter readings have confirmed Coll as having some of the darkest skies in Europe, making it a prime spot for stargazing enthusiasts.
Optimal Viewing Areas for Stargazing
Countryfile highlighted three key viewing spots on Coll for optimal stargazing experiences: the reserve car park at RSPB Totronald, behind the church in the village of Arinagour, and at the football pitch at Cliad. These locations offer unobstructed views of the night sky, perfect for observing celestial wonders and meteor showers.
So, whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or a novice astronomer, consider visiting Galloway Forest Park and Coll for an unforgettable stargazing experience under the dark skies of Scotland. Who knows what cosmic marvels you might discover in these pristine celestial settings?