New AONB guidance to help local people protect the night sky - The Blackdown Hills
New AONB guidance to help local people protect the night sky
( Last Updated: 08-10-2010 )
New guidance has been published to help local people reduce light pollution and protect our view of the galaxy.
The Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) team has produced a series of information sheets which are now available to download. This work carries on from the International Year of Astronomy in 2009, which was marked by stargazing events across the Blackdown Hills.
In May of this year, the Daily Telegraph named the Blackdown Hills as one of the UK's top locations for night sky watching. However, even here the darkness is at risk as an ever increasing level of artificial light encroaches from villages, roads and neighbouring towns.
The AONB team is keen to involve people living both within the AONB and in the towns and villages nearby in making sure that night time illumination is kept to a minimum.
Katherine Morgan, the AONB's information officer said:
"We are very fortunate in the Blackdown Hills to have the glorious view of the stars and planets that we do - it's something that just 10% of the British population can see these days. These new information sheets give local people practical steps to make sure their own homes or premises aren't leaking light and detracting from the natural night sky".
To download the guidance, go to the light pollution page
Astronomy events in the area continue during the autumn and winter with two stargazing evenings, in Chardstock on 29 October, and Hemyock on 26 February. These will include the chance to experience the South West's largest mobile planetarium, as well as a guided tour of the night sky with telescopes. For more information see the events diary.
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