Seeing Stars

Exmoor National Park Authority has been awarded £3,500 from the Royal Astronomical Society in support of the 2009 International Year of Astronomy and its associated Dark Sky Awareness project.  The National Park Authority submitted a grant application to support the proposed dark sky awareness and astronomy events to be held on Exmoor during 2009.  

Thanks to the award of the grant, Exmoor National Park Authority, in partnership with the North Devon and Tiverton and Mid Devon astronomy societies will now be able to host several events through next year’s International Year of Astronomy.

Commenting on the award, Emma Dennis, landscape officer with the National Park Authority said: We are delighted to have been given this award which we will use to provide opportunities for all to experience the dark sky of Exmoor, to learn about astronomy and the importance of conserving and enhancing dark skies.

Inappropriate artificial light can shine up into the sky, causing the orange glow that is visible over towns, highways and other lit areas at night, intruding into the countryside, and destroying the view of an intensely dark but star speckled sky. Exmoor is lucky not to have many sources of light pollution, however we can all assist in conserving and enhancing Exmoor’s dark skies.”

From meteorite handling to taking a voyage to the outer planets, Exmoor is the place to discover more about astronomy and to see dark skies in 2009. All of the events will proceed even if the dark sky is hiding behind clouds, talks and presentations will be offered in venues including a cosy pub or two.

Information about Exmoor's Dark Sky events will available by visiting: www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk towards the end of January and booking details will be found on the International Year of Astronomy UK website: www.astronomy2009.co.uk where you can find out about all the IYA events throughout the UK.