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The International Dark-Sky Association has awarded a park in southwestern Scotland with “dark sky” status, certifying it as one of the best places in the world to watch the stars.
This past August, Trips introduced the World’s Best Stargazing Destinations. Included in the list was Scotland, which Matador contributor Bob Riel noted has some of the darkest skies in Europe.
Now, the International Dark-Sky Association has named Galloway Forest Park as one of only a handful of locations on Earth that deserve it’s “dark skies park” designation. Out of a 24-point darkness rating system (24 being on the level of a photographer’s dark room), Galloway got a 23.
The park also scored points for its accessible location. It may be far from any light-polluting population center, but that doesn’t mean it’s ultra-remote. According to The Guardian’s coverage of the story, Galloway is easily visited from northern England, southern Scotland, and by ferry from Northern Ireland.
For more details, such as how to plan your own Scottish stargazing trip, visit the website of Dark Sky Scotland.
Community Connection
While you’re in the land of the kilt, make sure to check out Scotland’s Carbonated Cult: Irn-Bru.
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6 Comments... join the discussion!
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A few years back I was camping in the wilds of the Highlands of Scotland, about 50 miles from civilisation and the sky was unbelievable dark and the stars looked totally amazing.
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There’s nothing more I love than a black sky full of stars. In Corsica, Yvonne and I camped at this hard-to-get-to beach (Plage de Saleccia) and laid on the beach at night just gazing. Not sure what it would get out of 24 points. I need to see this 23 point sky!
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“World-Class star gazing? “WORLD CLASS”????
Good grief. I am going to assume that piece was NOT written by a professional.
‘World-Class” has become the world’s most over worked cliche! And, remember all cliches become cliches because they are over-used. “World-Class” has become an over-worked, over-worked phrase!The only thing in life that is “world-class” is an international athlete! That’s it; period! To use that phrase to describe anything else is weak, immature, amateurish, and just plain dull-headed!
Can we all join in a movement to stifle “world-class” as a phrase to be eliminated within two years, except when commenting on international athletic competition? Huh? Can we?
Sure we can!
RSH
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Wow, Bob. That’s a lot of emotion for two innocuous words linked with a hyphen. I applaud your passion.
I was using the term in the context of this definition from Random House, which happens to be entry #1: “ranking among the world’s best.”
I’d be curious to get your take on this piece: http://thetravelersnotebook.com/photography-q-a/10-words-and-phrases-we-never-want-to-see-in-travel-writing-again/
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I would argue that overuse and unnecessary use of exclamation marks is overworked cliche.
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