Anyone in the UK with a keen interest in the wonder of the night sky and the environment will no doubt be delighted to learn that the latest 'Dark Sky' award from the International Dark Sky Association, (and the first awarded outside of the continental US I might add) has been given to Galloway Forest Park in Scotland.

Dark Sky awards are granted to areas of incredibly low light pollution that provide a very clear area for stargazing.
 
Like most, I live in a populated area where light pollution produces a large orange glare in the night sky, reducing what can be seen. I have been lucky enough to visit areas of extremely low light pollution and have even seen the Milky Way Galaxy stretching out before me on many an occasion in rural Nova Scotia, Canada. It was one of the most awe-inspiring sights I have ever been privileged to see and one I thoroughly recommend, whether you have an interest in stars or not. I will certainly be pestering my family to make a trip to this fantastic Scottish park asap.

About the Author
Al Tepper is one of the At Home team and can often be found gazing at the stars when he should be sleeping.

Image kindly from here