Explore the stars above England’s national parks at the virtual dark skies festivals

Skies Festivals: During the month of February stargazers in England have treated as several dark skies festivals in virtual form. Consequently, these festivals usually take place at the national park, which remains some of the darkest places in the UK. Therefore, they can’t operate as normal as last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

During the festivals generally arrange events such as cycling, walking, attending stargazing parties. In addition, helping attendees expand their astrophotography skills. Subsequently, the first virtual form is the Cumbria Dark Skies Festival during takes place between 5th and 21st February.

However, Dark Skies Festival having talks from astronomers, astrophotographers, authors, filmmakers, lighting and design professionals, performers, poets, and outdoor adventurers. During, Northumberland National Park takes place from 12th to 21st February. It is England’s first and largest international dark sky park.

The festival is hosting on its website and is led by four regional observatories. These are Battlesteads, Kielder, Stonehaugh, and Twice Brewed. Moreover, it having a variety of virtual events, including a fireside. Northumberland’s astronomers and night sky guides, and live streams to help people.

There will be an art masterclass on nightscape photography to encourage children to imagine the dark skies with mobile phones. Subsequently, the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Park authorities are collaborating during its festival from 12th to 28th February.

During, the South Downs National Park festival takes place from 12th to 28th February and is centre of learning about the constellations. Meanwhile, the history and folklore that goes with them, and the nocturnal wildlife that depends on them. So there will be live link-ups to the South Downs Planetarium with tours of the night sky.

The virtual attendees can see rangers setting up for an evening stargazing in their gardens.