Compton Bay on the Isle of Wight is just one place off the top spot in a list of the Top Ten places for stargazing in the UK.
Anyone living on or visiting the Isle of Wight, will already know there are many Island locations that are great for stargazing, and we are also lucky enough to have lots of superb photographers who capture and share their images of the Milky Way and other astronomical wonders.
Excellent skies largely devoid of light pollution
Astronomer and science communicator, Dr Jenifer Milard, teamed up with Land Rover to pull together the list of top ten stargazing spots. Here’s what she says about Compton,
Away from the mainland, the Isle of Wight’s beautiful coastline draws astronomers all year round. Visit the car park at Compton Bay for its accessibility and excellent skies largely devoid of light pollution.
While nearby Fort Victoria Country Park is noted for its planetarium packed with information and frequent events by the West Wight Stargazing Group.
Dark Sky fact: Milky Way, Cassiopeia, Orion and the Plough are can all be seen on a clear night.
Milard: Plenty of opportunity to enjoy a treasure trove of objects
This time of year is great for stargazing, as Dr Milard explains,
“It’s worth stargazing all year round because our view of the cosmos slowly changes night-by-night. As Earth moves around the Sun on its orbit, we look out onto different parts of the Universe.
“Some constellations, and the astronomical objects they host, are only visible at certain times of the year.
“Winter’s long, dark nights offer plenty of opportunity to enjoy a treasure trove of objects without having to stay up very late – from stars to nebulae to distant galaxies, including our own Milky Way.
“Just remember to wrap up warm!”
The Rebel Star talk
If you are interested in knowing more about the night skies, the Vectis Astronomical Society will be hosting an online talk about the Rebel Star – The Sun’s Greatest Mysteries.
Don’t forget to check out the full Top Ten list of best stargazing spots over on the Land Rover Website.
