Keep reading to find out how you can start stargazing, the best places to stargaze in the UK, and the best times of year to head out with your telescope.
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# Inspired by the UK Northern Lights? These are the best dates for stargazing in 2024

Plus a full beginner's guide

The majestic Northern Lights were visible from many parts of the UK earlier this month, leaving many skywatchers in awe of the aurora borealis.

If the amazing spectacle has given you a taste for stargazing, you're not alone. In fact, it's a magical and inexpensive way to connect with nature and you're guaranteed to be left awe-struck by the sheer size and beauty of the universe, on a clear night.

Keep reading to find out how you can start stargazing, the best places to stargaze in the UK, and the best times of year to head out with your telescope.

## Jump to:

## > > Where are the best places to stargaze in the UK?

Forest Holidays' resident stargazing expert says: "You can stargaze anywhere, however, you need a truly dark location for the best view –that means being well away from urban light pollution. A forest clearing is ideal, but anywhere that is ultra-dark will suffice. For example, a beach, field or national park."

"There are lots of good rural stargazing spots to try out," adds the team at Boutique Camping. "This could include remote campsites, or even your garden if you live in the countryside. There are also several designated Dark Sky Parks which are renowned for their excellent stargazing conditions."

The Dark Sky Parks to choose from in the UK:

- Exmoor
- Brecon Beacons
- Moore’s Reserve
- Snowdonia
- North York Moors
- Yorkshire Dales
- Northumberland International Dark Sky Park – this park has been awarded with gold tier status, meaning it has the most pristine dark skies in the UK.

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## > > What equipment do you need to start stargazing?

You can see many wonders of the sky with the naked eye, but you will need 15 minutes or so to adjust properly to the darkness. Ideally, though, start by buying a pair of decent binoculars. Look for ones that are anti-fogging and have glass lenses.

If you know you want to get into stargazing, then it’s worth investing in a proper telescope, along with a decent camera and tripod to capture the best moments. But, for beginners, binoculars are cheaper, easier to carry, and brilliant for seeing the moon, planets and some deep sky objects.

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You need as little light pollution as possible when stargazing.

## > > When to go stargazing

"Timing is crucial for a successful stargazing experience, as lighting is everything. The best times to observe the night sky are on clear nights when the moon is in its crescent phase or absent altogether, as this is when the sky will be darkest," says the team at Boutique Camping. "Stargazing at this time will also give you the best opportunity for spotting the Milky Way.

"Check weather forecasts and moon phases to plan your stargazing outings effectively. You should aim for periods when the skies are free from heavy cloud cover too, as this will obstruct your view.

" Autumn, winter, and early springtime are particularly popular stargazing periods for astronomy enthusiasts. This is because summer nights can be a lot lighter here in the UK, plus it gets dark much earlier in the cooler seasons which means we don’t need to have late nights to enjoy the twinkling night sky."

## > > The best dates for stargazing in 2024

If you want a particularly special night under the stars, you may want to plan your stargazing experience around major celestial events. The Boutique Camping team suggest the following dates in 2024:

- March 25th: The penumbral lunar eclipse
- April 22nd – 23rd: Lyrids Meteor Shower
- May 6th – May 7th: Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower
- June 22nd: Strawberry moon
- August 12th – 13th: Perseid Meteor Shower
- September 18th: Supermoon
- October 17th: Full moon and supermoon
- October 21st – 22nd: Orionids Meteor Shower
- November 4th – 5th: Taurids Meteor Shower

a night photograph taken at durdle door in dorset one of the most recognizable landmark in the uk the photograph is taken at the waters edge and shows crashing waves, curve of the beach and the famous arch way you can also see the milkwaypinterest

MattStansfield//Getty Images

There are key dates for stargazing.

## > > What are the best apps for stargazing?

Your smartphone is one of your best friends when it comes to stargazing – download either the Night Sky app or Sky Map, then set your phone to night vision and point it at the sky. These apps will show you the constellations you’re looking at by identifying the stars using an inbuilt GPS.

If you don’t have a smartphone, then get yourself a star chart (remember to opt for a 2024 version). These handbooks are a guide to the planets, stars and constellations visible from the northern hemisphere.

Tip: Read a guide to the best stargazing and astronomy apps here.

## > > Your first five constellations to spot

1. Orion (the hunter) | With a belt and sword, this is one of the most famous constellations and one of the few that genuinely bears a resemblance to its namesake.
2. Leo (the lion)| One of the easiest constellations to spot – although it looks nothing like a lion!
3. Ursa Major (the Plough/Big Dipper) | Visible all year round in the northern hemisphere. It looks like a cup with a long handle.
4. Cassiopeia (the queen of Aethiopia) | Named after a vain queen who boasted about her unrivalled beauty. Looks like a giant 'W' shape.
5. Hydra (the water snake) | The largest and longest constellation in the night sky. It looks like a sea serpent.

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