stars

See the stars: Top UK locations for holiday stargazing revealed

A last-minute holiday marketplace has revealed the top holiday locations to stargaze in the UK, after recent research shows there’s been a rapid increase in light pollution*. The brand used data from the International Dark-Sky Association to match Certified IDA International Dark Sky Reserves with properties in the surrounding area. Only holiday homes with hot tubs were considered in the...

CPRE's Star Count 2021

People in Devon are being urged to take part in an annual Star Count to record our view of the night sky.

Star Count is an annual citizen science project from CPRE, the countryside charity, and the British Astronomical Association. From 6-14 February 2021 , the public are asked to look heavenwards during a clear night and count how many stars within Orion they can spot.

Results from Star Count will help make a map of where star-spotters are enjoying deep, dark skies and where people’s views are affected by light pollution. By showing on a map where light...

The best places in the UK to stargaze revealed

With lockdown 2.0 now underway, new research reveals where Brits should head if they want to take a break from daily life and gaze into the cosmos - and how doing so could improve their wellbeing.

As tourism grinds to a halt once more, a new study from UKCaravans4hire.com highlights how families in the UK can take a break locally, and where astrologically inclined Brits can visit in...

Trust announces star patrons

A major South West conservation charity has announced its patrons. Both are star names regionally and nationally.

Naturalist Nick Baker and broadcaster Judi Spiers have been unveiled as patrons of Wild Planet Trust, the charity that runs Paignton Zoo, Living Coasts in Torquay and Newquay Zoo in Cornwall.

These are the first patrons that the Trust, previously known as Whitley...

Penguins are real stars at Living Coasts

Newly-hatched African penguin chicks at Living Coasts are being named after stars and constellations.

Staff at Torquay’s coastal zoo and aquarium are using the pattern of spots on the belly of a young penguin – unique to each bird – to help find names.

Keeper Chris Dunn: “The idea is to take photos of the young birds’ spot patterns and compare them to star constellations. It’s...