Dark Skies Festival in the South Downs

What is a Dark Sky Reserve?

Dan Oakley is a South Downs National Park ranger and dark skies expert. He says: “To be considered a Dark Sky Reserve you need to have unrestrained light access to see the Milky Way. This is a key feature to becoming a reserve.” There are currently fewer than 20 Dark Sky Reserves around the world; the South Downs is one of only four in England, and six in the UK.

How can I see stars in the South Downs?

You can start stargazing either with your own binoculars, telescope or at an organised stargazing event. Organised events, such as star parties and the Dark Skies Festival, are run by park rangers and local astronomy groups. They aim to encourage adults and children into the South Downs at night and at a time of year that they might not normally do so. There are also a couple of campsites in the South Downs that are open all year round, as well as lots of independently owned B&Bs and small guest houses.

“We run star parties indoors and outdoors in Steyning, Lewes, Petersfield and Midhurst. At these sorts of events we have lots of fun things to do for families, including jigsaws, fancy dress and astrophotography workshops, as well as talks run by local astronomy groups,” South Downs park ranger and dark skies expert, Dan Oakley, explains. “We also get out some of our big telescopes and light measuring equipment so people can see for themselves what’s right above their heads. Our star parties usually attract around 500 people to each event. People come from as far as London just to look through our telescopes.”

There are 10 recognised Dark Sky Discovery Sites in South Downs National Park: Science Centre and Planetarium (Winchester); Old Winchester Hill, Butser Hill and Buriton (close to Petersfield); Harting Down, Iping Common and Bignor Hill (either side of Midhurst); Devil’s Dyke (near Brighton); Ditchling Beacon (near Lewes); and Birling Gap (near Eastbourne).

How can I help keep the night’s sky dark?

Dan Oakley believes there are plenty things we can do as individuals to limit our contribution to light pollution: “We also provide lots of practical information and ideas as to how communities and homeowners can use domestic lighting. For instance, which bulbs to use and why it’s important to face outside lights down instead of up.”

He encourages people to help monitor light pollution in their local area: “Also in conjunction with Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), we ask stargazers to do a star count to see if light pollution has improved or got worse in their area. This is done by counting the amount of stars that you can see in-between the star constellation Orion’s shoulders and his feet. It’s a fun way to help promote good lighting policies and also help to protect our dark skies for future generations.”