Exploring Sussex dark skies – a positive outdoor experience to revive the spirits. Perhaps it is a sensible idea to spend time away from the pressures of modern life whilst considering the natural world via the the countryside and the skies around you. Thus stargazing in rural areas gives a sense of peace, calm and purpose. It is calming because it can ease our minds whilst rejuvenating the spirits which, in turn, makes us more compassionate. It can aid our mental health because excessive exposure to artificial light decreases the quality of sleep and this can indirectly contribute to anxiety and depression. There is also an opportunity to sample fresh air away from the rush of modern life, conurbations and traffic.
The South Downs National Park covers 618 square miles of Sussex and Hampshire from Winchester to Eastbourne. It became a premier ” Dark Sky” area in the UK and Europe in 2016 and is classified as the 13th “International Dark Sky Reserve” – only one of three in England. The IDSR status ensures the area’s light pollution remains under control, if not reduced. The best locations for observing the night sky are designated as “Dark Sky Discovery Sites”. These sites run in a line across the South Downs. In the west there is Butser Hill, then Buriton, Harting Down, Cocking Hill, Duncton Hill (with an adjacent car park), Bignor Hill (regarded as one of the best for stargazing in the UK by the Times in 2023), and, lower down, Iping Common near Midhurst. Continuing east, there are excellent dark sky locations at Trueleigh Hill, Devil’s Dyke, Ditchling Beacon and Firle Beacon. The list is not finite and many will have their preferred site.
However, it is possible to also see dark skies on lower, flatter ground in Sussex, especially around Chichester Harbour and the adjacent coast. Selsey was the home of the late, iconic astronomer Sir Patrick Moore. He moved there because it was a low pollution area so there were always various telescopes in his garden. Also in the area are Maybush Copse near Chidham, Eames Farm on Thorney Island and West Itchenor. Further east, RSPB Pagham is accessible at all times and runs regular “Astronomy Nights” in conjunction with the Sussex Astrological Society, whilst Chichester Planetarium at Chichester and the South Downs National Park headquarters at Midhurst can give advice and guidance (see web sites). Local Astrological Societies offer star gazing expeditions, advice and help especially for beginners. Every year there is a two week South Downs Dark Skies Festival. Events include talks, seminars and star gazing sessions enabling learning in a safe and enjoyable way; many are free for participants.
The best location for stargazing is where there are uninterrupted views all round or at least in the direction where you wish to look for stars. These are most noticeable on clear winter nights with minimum humidity and especially when the moon is less than a crescent or not visible at all. In summer there are shorter nights and the sky can be “blurry” until sometimes 11.00pm. It takes up to 15-30 minutes for the human eye to adjust to stargazing which is called the “dark adaptation”.
Stars are always present but obscured by sunlight. The brightest star at night is Sirius A, also known as the Dog Star or Andromeda, which is visible all year but needs a really dark sky. The constellation Orion can be seen for most of the winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Venus called the “Star of the Shepherd” reaches it’s maximum brightness a few hours before dawn and after sunset so it is also known as the morning or evening star. It is possible to observe the Milky Way from mid-March to mid-May but sometimes from late-February to late-September. Shooting stars can be spotted at any time but mainly in early to mid-January. Meteor showers can also occur at any time but especially during August and can produce up to 40 meteors per hour.
Although watching dark skies is relaxing, it is better to go prepared and wear clothing as appropriate. In winter this means thermals, hats, gloves, sweaters, stout footwear and a thick waterproof coat. In summer, it can still be cool at night so multiple light layers are advised, but also a “hoodie” or a light jacket and a hat. It is sensible to always take extra warm clothing in case the temperature drops. A torch to light dark paths and a flask of something hot are wise items to include plus also a mobile phone for emergencies, although signals across the countryside vary.
In fact, Google maps utilises a star constellation map which uses your phone’s GPS to work out the constellations above your location. Take a blanket or mat to lie on if you wish to get the “full” experience. If going alone, ensure somebody knows where you are going and when you are likely to return. Many sites, such as Devil’s Dyke, are near to car parks which eases the carrying of equipment. Binoculars and telescopes are excellent for stargazing but less effective for wide-sky celestial events such as meteor showers.
Thus being in a Dark Sky area is an antidote to the stresses of modern life. It can be an interest undertaken in the company of others or alone as appropriate with minimal outlay; yet also exciting and refreshing at the same time. The experience could be contemplative – even if it makes one feel inconsequential and insignificant but, at the same time, captivated by the vastness of a starry sky.
This article was contributed by Helena Millen.
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