Dark Skies
As light pollution continues to increase worldwide, there is a growing interest in preserving and promoting areas with minimal artificial light to enhance stargazing experiences and protect natural ecosystems. This is an overview of the dark sky potential in the South of Scotland, highlighting the regions unique characteristics and the opportunities it presents for astronomical tourism, wellbeing, ecological conservation, and scientific research. By examining the region's geographical features, current lighting conditions, and local initiatives, we can appreciate the significance of preserving and harnessing the dark sky potential in our region
Significant aspects of the dark sky potential in the South of Scotland is the Galloway Forest Park, which has been designated as the Galloway Dark Sky Park. It received this recognition in 2009 from the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), becoming the first Dark Sky Park in the UK and the fourth in the world. The park has achieved the Gold Tier status for its exceptional stargazing conditions, offering breath taking views of the night sky. Another is Europe's first dark sky town, Moffat.
The Scottish Borders is underdeveloped but has great potential – it is the immediate neighbour of the Northumberland Dark Sky Park and has some fantastic dark spaces and great way to attract new visitors to the region by following examples in Dumfries and Galloway
The South of Scotland boasts several geographical features and environmental factors that contribute to its dark sky potential. The region is predominantly rural, with few large population centers. However, there is a need to balance the drive for more industry in the region with the risk of increasing light pollution through the use of high-lumen LED lighting.
Various designations, such as the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere, SSSi sites, and AONB areas, require protection. Additionally, the South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) has committed to helping the Scottish Government achieve its ambitious target of becoming 'Net Zero' by 2045. Establishing a dark sky network across the region can support these objectives and deliver sustainable and profitable tourism growth.
SOCIAL & CULTURAL VALUES OF DARK SKIES
- Dark skies are important sites of cultural and social encounter with darkness and the night sky that can affirm, challenge and/or transform our values
- Motivations to protect and engage with dark skies: how do our values move us to support dark sky conservation?
- Intangible values, such as sense of place
- Personal as well as professional relationships, and the value of informal and everyday encounters with the night .
- The idea that dark skies are a community resource
Light Pollution Map in the South of Scotland
From the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument aboard the NASA/NOAA satellite, as captured in 2023.
This does not show the white light from LEDs, now commonly used in street lights and sensor lights. Therefore, light pollution levels are expected to be worse than indicated, especially in inhabited areas.
Map from Go Stargazing
Our Ongoing Dark Sky Development Work
Scottish Borders Planet Trail
The Scottish Borders Space Trail, also known as the Ancrum Astronomy Trail. There are two integrated elements to the installation; models of all eight planets as well as a hemispheric model of the sun itself (around 12.5 meters in diameter). The planets will be situated at their correct scaled positions between Jedburgh and Peebles and will also…
New Dark Sky Network Formed
The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere (GSAB) Partnership Board has established a Dark Sky Network sub-group, which the SSDA is part of, to promote and support the conservation of dark skies within the UNESCO Biosphere designated area and more widely across the south of Scotland, this includes supporting the preservation of existing designations and the…
