Stargazing in Wales: Summer Skies, Milky Way & Rare Aurora Borealis!

The recent aurora borealis (Northern Lights) sightings across the UK have reignited our collective passion for gazing upwards. While the Northern Lights are a rare treat in our skies, Wales offers a year-round opportunity to explore the wonders of the cosmos.  Winter may get the spotlight for stargazing, but summer nights unveil a different kind of celestial magic.

Summer Skies: A Stargazer’s Paradise

Summer brings longer evenings, perfect for stretching out on a blanket and letting your eyes adjust to the darkness. With minimal light pollution in many areas, Wales transforms into a stargazer’s paradise. Here, the Milky Way stretches across the sky like a celestial river, whilst constellations come alive in breathtaking detail.

Beyond the Big Dipper: Unveiling the Summer Night Sky

As the summer unfolds, the constellations shift. Familiar winter constellations like Orion and the Pleiades fade away, replaced by summer favourites. Look for the distinctive square of Pegasus, the flying horse, soaring high in the eastern sky. Spot the bright star Vega, part of the Lyra constellation, a dazzling beacon in the summer triangle. And don’t forget to search for the elusive Corona Borealis, the Northern Crown, a delicate circle of stars that shimmers overhead during these months.

Capturing the Milky Way: Tips for Stellar Photography

Summer’s longer nights are ideal for aspiring astrophotographers. With minimal light pollution, capturing the Milky Way’s ethereal glow becomes a real possibility. Here are some tips:

• Find a dark sky location: Consult the International Dark-Sky Association’s website or Dark Sky Discovery to find areas with minimal light pollution. Wales boasts several International Dark Sky Reserves and Discovery Sites, perfect for capturing breathtaking celestial images.
• Invest in a sturdy tripod: Camera shake can ruin your astrophotography efforts. A sturdy tripod ensures your camera remains perfectly still during long exposures.
• Use a remote shutter release: Even the slightest touch on your camera can cause unwanted movement. A remote shutter release eliminates this risk, allowing for crisp astrophotography.
• Experiment with settings: Play around with your camera’s aperture, shutter speed and ISO settings to achieve the desired effect. Start with a low aperture (wide opening) for maximum light intake, a long shutter speed (several minutes) to capture the faint stars, and a moderate ISO to improve image quality without introducing excessive noise.

Stargazing Events Light Up the Summer

Summer nights in Wales come alive with a variety of stargazing events. Local astronomy clubs often host public observing sessions, providing an opportunity to learn about the constellations with the help of experienced astronomers. Check local listings or websites of astronomy societies near your chosen destination.

A Glimpse of the Unexpected: The Aurora Borealis in Wales

While the aurora borealis is a rare sight in Wales, summer nights offer the best chance to witness this spectacular natural phenomenon.  Unlike winter, when long nights increase the viewing window, summer auroras tend to be more vibrant due to stronger geomagnetic storms. Keep an eye on websites like Aurorawatch and the Met Office’s Space Weather website for aurora alerts.

Locations for Unforgettable Stargazing in Wales

Elan Valley International Dark Sky Park: This UNESCO Starlight Reserve boasts some of the darkest skies in the UK. Here, you can see up to 7,000 stars on a clear night, making it ideal for spotting faint celestial objects like nebulae and galaxies. More information: https://elanvalley.org.uk/explore/dark-skies/ 

Snowdonia National Park: Escape the city lights and head to Snowdonia for breathtaking night skies. Several Dark Sky Discovery Sites within the park offer minimal light pollution and stunning views of the Milky Way. Click here for the best locations according to experts Discovery in the Dark. 

Brecon Beacons National Park: This International Dark Sky Reserve boasts numerous stargazing spots, including the Usk Reservoir and the Black Mountains. Join a guided stargazing tour or simply find a secluded spot and let the wonders of the universe unfold before you. Discovery in the Dark outlines their best locations on this link. 

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park: Whilst known for its stunning beaches, Pembrokeshire also offers some hidden gems for stargazers. Newgale and Poppit Sands beaches boast clear skies and minimal light pollution, perfect for a night of stargazing under the Milky Way. Click here for the best locations according to Discovery in the Dark.

Embrace the Magic of Summer Nights

So, pack a blanket, a thermos of hot chocolate and a sense of wonder. Head to one of Wales’s many dark sky locations, and let the summer night sky transport you to a universe of twinkling stars and celestial wonders. You might just be surprised by what you discover.