25 January 2012
Cawfields is designated national Dark Sky Discovery Site!
The nomination for this heavenly amphitheatre to become a Dark Sky Discovery Site was made by Northumberland National Park Authority and supported by the Newcastle Astronomical Society, whose members carried out a Sky Quality Meter reading to provide the evidence to support the bid.
Two Solar Gazing events have already been hosted at the site and the National Park is working with a number of astronomical societies to run a more comprehensive star gazing events programme at Cawfields in the future. The National Park Authority has also funded the construction of a concrete platform at Cawfields, which can be used by amateur astronomers to mount their telescopes on.
Duncan Wise, Visitor Development Officer for Northumberland National Park said: “Cawfields is a rocky bowl on the line of Hadrian’s Wall with one of the darkest skies in the country and a cosy pub (The Milecastle Inn) at the entrance. It is easy to access by the public and much favoured by local astronomical societies who are generous with their time and equipment. We are delighted to have this opportunity to extend the popularity of Hadrian’s Wall into the night.”
He added: “Dark Skies are an intrinsic quality associated with the tranquillity of this protected landscape. It is also a quality that is quickly disappearing with the encroachment of light pollution from nearby cities and urban development. We must do everything we can, not just to celebrate these skies, but to conserve them as well”.
The pioneering Dark Sky Discovery initiative (led by the Science and Technology Facilities Council) is inviting the public to nominate the best local stargazing spots to join a growing national network of sites.
Dan Hillier, Project Leader of Dark Sky Discovery, says “With just your naked eyes, you can see fantastic sights in the night sky including planets, constellations, meteor showers and space satellites. Most of us, even in towns and cities, probably live no more than a mile or two from somewhere, such as a park or playing field, where we can see these things. And if we travel out of the cities to sites with even darker skies we can revel in really starry skies, perhaps even see the Milky Way. The trick for budding stargazers, in cities or the countryside, is to find a place that has a good blend of low light pollution levels, clear horizons and good public access. These are the places we want to see nominated as Dark Sky Discovery Sites.”