LGFC is a Dark Sky Discovery Site

Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre is now an accredited Dark Sky Discovery site, and part of the UK Dark Sky Discovery Partnership. This is a network of national, local astronomy and environmental organisations which aims to:

Visit the Dark Sky Discovery Website
  • Engage people from diverse backgrounds with the night sky;
  • Encourage positive attitudes towards science and technology;
  • Support the development of dark sky places, awareness and tourism;
  • Develop a national network of dark sky communicators;
  • Create long-lasting organisational partnerships in this area.

"Star Phwoarrs" - see our Newsletter - October 2011


The Dark Sky Discovery England funders are:-

Next Dark Sky weekend February 17-19, 2012


Dark Sky weekend event on Jan 20-22

Following our accreditation as the Dark Sky Discovery site for the North West of England, we had a very successful event in January, thanks to the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) who erected their Starlab Planetarium in the barn. Starlab is an inflatable planetarium in which a digital simulation of the night sky is projected onto the inside of its domed walls. Set inside our barn, this was an interactive presentation which features the stars and planets as they appear in our night sky.

We were also joined by Chris Darwin and his colleagues from the Cockermouth Astronomical Society who gave digital presentations throughout the afternoon and evening on the wonders of the universe. This was a fascinating journey into deep space with Cumbria's foremost astronomers, and suitable for all age groups.

Star Umbrellas
Younger visitors made a miniature planetarium using an umbrella and luminous stickers.

Star Count
We were hoping to take part in the national star count event with Friends of the Lake District. Unfortunately for us, there was too much cloud cover on the night.
For further details see the FLD page:- www.fld.org.uk/see-the-stars.html.
See the online survey set up by the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

Accommodation
Visitors wishing to stay overnight in our self-catering, hostel accommodation will be charged at the standard rate. Please visit our bookings page and book ahead with the Warden. Remember to bring a sleeping bag, provisions, stout footwear and wrap up warm.


Stargazing is best done before the moon is up, so here are the New Moon dates for 2012 :-
Jan 23, Feb 21, Mar 22, Apr 21, May 20, June 19, July 19, Aug 17, Sept 16, Oct 15, Nov 13, Dec 13.

Location

Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre, Ennerdale, Cleator
Cumbria, CA23 3AX

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