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New Forest Of Stars
Galloway Forest Park, UK (SPX) Nov 19, 2009 The new Dark Sky Park in Galloway Forest marks a new high in the growing interest in the UK's dark skies. It follows three years of STFC-led UK Dark Sky events which have been have been rekindling curiosity in the night sky and switching people on to the wonders of the universe. The Dark Sky Park status, awarded by the International Dark-Sky Association over the weekend, means that Galloway Forest Park is the first place in the UK landscape where dark skies are now safeguarded for people to experience for themselves. Since 2007, the Royal Observatory Edinburgh Visitor Centre has led Dark Sky public events across Scotland, opening up the night sky and the world of astronomy to thousands of families, community groups and schools. Dr. Stuart Lynn, a research astronomer at the University of Edinburgh who has led many dark sky events, says "We try to give people new ways to connect with science and the world, or even the universe, around them. The response has been fantastic - it has inspired me!" Dan Hillier, Visitor Centre Manager at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh and who leads the Dark Sky programs across the UK says, "Our events help people to see our planet in perspective. They have also inspired a wave of support from outdoor and environmental organizations including forest parks, community woodlands and national parks - many of whom now regularly host public and community astronomy events. The new Dark Sky Park shows how wide and deep this interest is. People's curiosity in the night sky has led to this new landmark in looking after the planet wisely." The International Year of Astronomy 2009 gave extra impetus to the dark sky program. Professor Ian Robson, who heads up International Year of Astronomy in the UK says "It is an incredible achievement for Galloway Forest park and the International Year of Astronomy that we have managed to secure this award. It means millions of people will be able to enjoy the unspoiled skies of Galloway Forest Park for years to come. This forms part of the Dark Skies Awareness cornerstone project for IYA2009, and builds on the excellent work done by the Dark Sky Scotland project in encouraging people to get out and look up." To achieve the award, Forestry Commission Scotland has worked with the local Wigtownshire Astronomical Society, lighting experts and the surrounding community to ensure Galloway's skies remain pitch black - the best condition for viewing distant galaxies. The formal application was submitted to the International Dark-Sky Association six weeks ago. The final awards were decided at the Association's AGM being held in Phoenix, Arizona, over the weekend. Share This Article With Planet Earth
Related Links Dark Sky Scotland International Year of Astronomy 2009 Astronomy News from Skynightly.com
NASA's Wise Gets Ready To Survey Whole SkyPasadena CA (SPX) Nov 18, 2009 NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or Wise, is chilled out, sporting a sunshade and getting ready to roll. NASA's newest spacecraft is scheduled to roll to the pad on Friday, Nov. 20, its last stop before launching into space to survey the entire sky in infrared light. Wise is scheduled to launch no earlier than 6:09 a.m. PST (9:09 a.m. EST) on Dec. 9 from Vandenberg Air Force ... read more |
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