Ask anyone, and you will always hear about stargazing activities in Scotland. But the truth is, not many visitors pay attention to this lucrative exploration opportunity, which holds many secrets and stories right in the Scottish countryside and plains. Seriously, you will be spoiled for choice if you learned about the variety of destinations accessible in Scotland for incredible stargazing.
Thanks to the local nature preservation efforts, low population and the magnificent landscapes, stargazing in the dark skies is truly a magical experience. The light pollution surely affects stargazing, but that is not the issue anymore, as there are dedicated sites and natural outdoors, where you can plan your special time with friends and family. This article will detail all the reasons why you should go stargazing in Scotland.
Natural Dark Skies Compliment Stargazing
Truth to be told, Scotland’s dark skies are a great contribution to the stargazing activity. The outskirts provide some of the best stargazing environments because of less light pollution and natural countryside settings. These dark skies and long nights allows visitors to see all the beautiful constellation and astronomical phenomenon, as long as the skies are clear for the particular day.
Simply visit the rural highlands, island communities, and all the national parks, and you will notice one thing, and that is the darkness levels that are unmatched compared to the cities.
These aspects allow avid stargazers to actively flock towards these areas and set up camps to experience the majestic constellations and planets. The Scottish Highlands are especially a top destination for professional stargazers on a clear night. That is why all stargazers plan a handy trip to the highlands and a variety of other destinations on a smart minibus or coach hire to travel around, along with their equipment.
Calm Weather During Spring
Spring is less known in Scotland, since it is shoulder season and the weather is finally settling in for the better tourism season. The worst of winter is already gone, and the outdoors are finally pleasant during the spring. This calls for perfect stargazing, as you no longer have to worry about snow or harsh weather conditions, which are pretty much normal in Scotland.
In particular, you should see the constellations of Leo and Virgo in the sky. As the sky clears up during the spring, it provides an excellent view of the stars and planets that are visible through the eye as well as through portable telescopes. On top of that, the spring season also creates a perfect setting for outdoor stargazing because of the lower humidity and calm air.
Scotland Is Home To Special Dark Sky Parks
Over the years, Scotland has always taken dark sky preservation seriously and has been committed to offering some of the best parks in the country. This brings us to the Galloway Forest Park, which is known as the first dark sky park that also offers special facilities for night sky observations. The park is located just around the Dumfries and Galloway and provides an unbeatable combination of accessibility and facilities for stargazing activity.
Not just the avid stargazers, but beginners also visit the park to admire its natural surroundings and the views of the dark sky constellations. You just need a booking ahead of time to make the most out of your stay for exploring the night sky wonders.
Or if you want to spend a bit more time outdoors, you can also visit villages like Newton Stewart, New Galloway, and Gatehouse for the best stargazing experiences you can find in Scotland.
Natural Outdoors Preserved In Time
One of the best things about travelling around Scotland is that you will always be able to admire the rich green landscape instead of sticking to one destination or staying indoors. That means, stargazing is not limited and it offers a much wider experience. The natural habitat surrounding the lochs, forests, mountains and coastline charm is incredibly relaxing to experience with friends and family.
You can plan out an exciting day trip to the glens and lochs spread across Scotland to enjoy the calm and mesmerising scenery at night. Families have the opportunity to plan out an educational trip right in the middle of a park or any other stargazing destination like the Cairngorms, Isle of Skye or Hebrides to combine the natural landscape with storytelling.
Best Guided Tours With Local Knowledge
Visiting Scotland for the first time might feel overwhelming because of little local knowledge. But that is not the issue anymore, as you can also find and book guided stargazing tours with your group, which are far more practical. Not just that, but these tours provide better insights into the tailored experience you are looking for.
Stargazing allows everyone to escape from the daily busy routine and reconnect with nature exactly how it is meant to be. Astronomy is really a magical experience if you are aware of where and how to explore it. Fortunately, Scotland is an open book for dark skies astronomy, and combines it with the dramatic landscape and roaring shorelines for an adrenaline-rush experience for everyone.
