Star studded visitor attraction gets award

First area of natural beauty designated  International Dark Sky Landscape

The International Dark-Sky Association has officially designated Bodmin Moor as an International Dark Sky Landscape.  It is the first International Dark Sky Place in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Its Dark Sky status is expected to boost tourism and the local economy, especially in the darker spring, autumn and winter months when star gazing opportunities are at their best.

The designation will also bring health benefits for both people and wildlife in the moor’s living landscape by helping to keep artificial light at a very low level. Within the designation area residents and businesses will be encouraged to protect the night sky from light pollution by managing their lighting better.

Following a bid by Cornwall Council and Caradon Observatory, the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) has awarded the prestigious designation in recognition of the exceptional quality of the night sky along with commitments to avoid light pollution and the provision of educational outreach.

"While other sites in the UK have previously received International Dark Sky Places accreditation, today’s announcement of Bodmin Moor’s status as an International Dark Sky Park is especially noteworthy," said IDA Executive Director J. Scott Feierabend.

"Its position within the Cornwall AONB clearly establishes that the conservation of dark night skies is wholly compatible with the notion of protected landscapes where people routinely live and work."

Bodmin Moor International Dark Sky Designation covers the portion of the moor within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty plus a two mile buffer zone around it.

As an AONB, Bodmin Moor is one of the UK’s most cherished and outstanding working landscapes.

The advantages of the award:

• Scientific advantages – enabling enhanced conditions for astronomy;
• Educational outreach – facilitating both formal education (at all levels) and more informal activities;
• Enjoyment and appreciation – improving quality of life and provide creative inspiration;
• Health – promoting improved sleep patterns and reducing stress;
• Wildlife – providing a more natural environment for both nocturnal and diurnal animals; and
• Energy efficiency – reducing wastage from unnecessary or excessive lighting.

Caradon Observatory will be running a Dark Sky evening on Saturday 19th August at Jamaica Inn. The talks will focus on meteors, meteorites and planets (including exoplanets). Weather allowing, Jupiter will be visible on the western horizon with Saturn due south and then Neptune rising in the east. If it’s clear there will be the opportunity to look through a couple of large telescopes. If you’ve never seen Saturn through a large telescope you’re in for a real treat – it’s absolutely beautiful! Come along at 7pm for the dinner event or at 8.30pm for free stargazing.

Fabulous pictures and story here: http://www.caradonobservatory.com/about.html

Valere Tjolle

@ValereTjolle