Europes first official 'Dark Sky Site'?

Frank Ryan · Post by **Frank Ryan** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 1:56 pm

One of the members on the IFAS message board gave a heads up
about this place in Scotland.
Galloway Forest Park.

I did up a google earth place mark for it.
http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/download.php?Number=1277794

as seen from the view in this picture:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Range_of_the_Awful_Hand

It looks easy to get to and sure would be dark,
maybe even Mt. Parnon dark,
only issue is its surrounded by mountains.
Now I'm not a fan of mountains when it comes to astronomy unless I
am standing on the top of one.
I can see there being all sorts of weather issues, lenticular clouds
and orographic problems.

Still,
good to see they are actively trying to preserve the parks lack of light Pollution.
It may be worth while doing a bit of digging to see are there any Scottish
astronomy clubs using the area or running events.

Frank Ryan · Post by **Frank Ryan** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 10:13 pm

Anyone up for a road trip?
http://www.gallowayastro.com/gac.htm

Dave Lillis · Post by **Dave Lillis** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 10:22 pm

Its worth noting that they get worse weather then us, and that's saying something.
but the idea is sound !!

Frank Ryan · Post by **Frank Ryan** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 10:39 pm

That's the real problem isn't it, even with a Burren Starparty - chancing the weather.

Frank Ryan · Post by **Frank Ryan** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 1:20 pm

For the craic, I did a quick check.
Ryanair fly into Prestwick and at the moment
you can book a return from Shannon including taxes for a tenner.
3 days car hire for would be 100
A Single/Twin Room & meals for 3 nights at that place would cost 100.
Factor in petrol and you could do a 3 day visit for around 300 Euro.
Less if you went for 2 nights.

I looked at the ferry from Belfast to Stranrar
which runs quite often and may suit those up north.
I'd think about driving over but you would want to make it a
week to be worthwhile.