Dark Skies in AberdeenshireStargazing Around the Cairngorms

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Imagine yourself nestled under a blanket, gazing up at a sky so dark it feels like you could reach out and touch the stars. Aberdeenshire has one of the darkest skies anywhere in the UK – in fact, in Western Europe. At Cairngorm Bothies, where the dark sky in the Cairngorms is a canvas painted with celestial wonders, we are situated in remote areas – far away from the city’s glaring lights – unaffected by the light of pollution. This means you can enjoy unadorned views of the Milky Way, and even catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis.

Light pollution around the Cairngorms

Our commitment to sustainable tourism ensures that we preserve the beauty of the Cairngorms, safeguarding the skies that make this region so special, and providing a serene escape where you can reconnect with and marvel at the wonders of nature.

As hosts, we are inviting you to join us in our star bathing parties designed to provide an unforgettable experience for all ages – to captivate and to inspire.

Our star bathing party location shows lesser light pollution in the area

Discover Aberdeenshire’s Dark Sky

Aberdeenshire has one of the highest number of days of sunshine per annum anywhere in the UK – increasing the probability of having clear nights to observe the majestic view of the Milky Way. Our Northern location also improves the probability of seeing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), a natural phenomenon painted in the dark sky in vibrant hues of green, pink, and purple.

Northern Lights at Cairngorm Bothies (Photo Credit to Gosia Bungo)

How much is the Star party?

 

Calendar of Events

From October to March, we will be running Star parties. These will coincide with astronomical events as well as full moons falling primarily on Friday evenings (twice a month) unless there is an astronomical event in the same week. Ideally, the moonless nights are best. The moon is a fascinating spectacle in its own right, of course. From the point of view of observing the stars, it can cause a brightness that washes out the fainter stars. The best observations are in the new moon periods. A clear and frosty night is best! Moon parties are planned and shown separately.

 

Nights Skies at the Cairngorms (Photo Credit to Gosia Bungo)

Special Events to Watch For:

• 18 October –  Orionids
• 15 November – Leonids
• 13 December – Geminids

 

 

What to expect?

• We provide a centralised location and will guide you to the location at 7:00 pm for a 7:30pm start.
• We will provide you with hammocks tied between trees and a blanket to keep you warm.
• We will provide you red LED head torches (reduces light spreading and interference with other observers)
• We will provide you with snacks
• We will provide hot drinks, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate
• We will protect you (that is… reassure your children) from the nocturnal nightlife. There is usually a chorus of owls calling to one another across the forest.
• We will provide parking areas for you
• We will help you interpret your own mobile phone devices with what you see. We have sets of binoculars, but, practically, the best tool is your own smartphone.
• We will provide a good time; albeit that we cannot control either the weather or the degree of star visibility.
• We are using the following tools to determine the probability of success on the night
  • APT darkness clock – Determines the chances of a completely dark night
  • Weather apps

**Note: Forecasted storms or severe weather conditions may cause us to cancel the event at short notice. Having said that, we are “Scottish” and that means we are “hardy” and that means we need a lot to stop us having a party.

Bonus: Download our FREE ‘Beginner’s Guide to Star Bathing Around the Cairngorms‘ for tips and insights to enhance your experience.

What to do in advance?

• Download the following apps from a location where you have good wifi
  • SkySafari
  • Google Sky Map (for Android Phones)
  • Starwalk 2 (for Apple Phones)
  • Nightlight (makes your phone into a red illuminator)
  • Aurora Watch (UK)
    • For Android Phones
    • For Apple Phones
• Dress up in warm clothes, hats, gloves, scarfs, and bring a waterproof – and a sense of humour – if it is raining or snowing. In fact,  bring your sense of humour anyway.