Dark(er) Skies near London

[johnd]

I'm in SW London Wimbledon and was wondering if/when I when the chance and can squeeze the 12" Flexi Dob and the more problematic Base into my car? I'd love to see what my scope can do in a Darker Sky. So I found a site that seems to give a really good idea of what a clear sky would show depending on the location. I wondered if people from darker skys can confirm if the views shown are accurate?

For me it looks like a trip to the north portion of the South Downs is my best Dark sky as I'd go straight down the A3 and then head in-land?

http://www.need-less.org.uk/

[hobsey]

I have to say, thats a pretty smart website. Not seen it before.

South downs is very good, they are in the process of trying to get a dark skies status.

[johnd]

I have to say, thats a pretty smart website. Not seen it before.

South downs is very good, they are in the process of trying to get a dark skies status.

Hi actually you might be able to recommend a Scope friendly dark site (Park or Waste area) in such an area for me as your location  is not far from where I was thinking of?

[ronin]

Get along to thye Guildford Astro Club, no idea where they have there observing meetups but they must have some ideas.

[johnd]

Thanks, yes I've just sent an enquiry to the club and see what response I get?

[hobsey]

Hi actually you might be able to recommend a Scope friendly dark site (Park or Waste area) 

Yes and no.

I really haven't tried many places around my way as I don't like going out by myself.

The place I know of is a bit hit and miss. First time I went there, it was fantastic but the last 2 times due to football practice and floodlights and the other time there was moisture in the air causing light pollution from Guildford.

[dick_dangerous]

In the North Downs, try Ranmore Common or Newlands Corner. The South Downs are less familiar to me, but Ditchling Beacon could be a good vantage point - probably a fair bit of light from Brighton though to the South.

In London itself, Bushy Park renders some surprisingly lovely views.

DD

[astrorabbit]

In the North Downs, try Ranmore Common or Newlands Corner. The South Downs are less familiar to me, but Ditchling Beacon could be a good vantage point - probably a fair bit of light from Brighton though to the South.

In London itself, Bushy Park renders some surprisingly lovely views.

DD

I second that!

Ranmore and newlands are very good indeed for so close to London.

[Myopicus]

Re. need-less.org

That's a great website - the dark sky simulator is particularly useful.  Thanks for the link!  

[TrixieLoyalist]

Ooh I haven't seen that site before, nice find.

[neural]

I'm in SW London Wimbledon and was wondering if/when I when the chance and can squeeze the 12" Flexi Dob and the more problematic Base into my car? I'd love to see what my scope can do in a Darker Sky. So I found a site that seems to give a really good idea of what a clear sky would show depending on the location. I wondered if people from darker skys can confirm if the views shown are accurate?

For me it looks like a trip to the north portion of the South Downs is my best Dark sky as I'd go straight down the A3 and then head in-land?

http://www.need-less.org.uk/

I haven't actually tried these, but http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/article-1356401373154/ mentions a few places in the south-east. 

I'm in SW London too so if you're heading out and need a companion, drop me a line!

[johnd]

I haven't actually tried these, but http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/article-1356401373154/ mentions a few places in the south-east. 

I'm in SW London too so if you're heading out and need a companion, drop me a line!

Hi, thanks that's a great link and several good suggestions for actual places to go. I'm not sure about the Morden one as its 2miles from me and it will have equally the same amount of LP as I do in my back garden? However, the one in the South Downs just off the A3 at some 40miles from me sounds good and I know it will be a pretty dark site. PM me with where you are and we can may be hook up to chat about arranging an outing together?

[hobsey]

However, the one in the South Downs just off the A3 at some 40miles from me sounds good and I know it will be a pretty dark site. PM me with where you are and we can may be hook up to chat about arranging an outing together?

I would be up for that if you do head down this way.

[MND]

That is a great website. I knew my LP was pretty bad but using that simulator it shows just how bad it is. I went to my Dad's in Brecon last weekend for a fleeting visit, I just couldn't believe how many stars there were up above compared to my back yard....

Doesn't even look like there is anything much better within a reasonable driving distance to me.

[Mike73]

Needless is just a simulation so dont believe everything it tells you, its LV mag can quite often but up to a whole magnitude out!

I think Avex will give you alot better idea of where to go.

http://www.avex-asso.org/dossiers/wordpress/?page_id=127

[DaveS]

Needless is a simulation and a bit low-res, but then the avex-astro is also a theoretical model, and can be a bit pessimistic, local conditions can give better skies than predicted. Although where I live gets dire results in both models (Bortle 8-9) I did see a Bortle 6 sky here back in Dec. Alas the garden was too soaked to take advantage of it.

This site shows actual light seen from space, but again is a bit low res, as well as lacking in location labels

http://www.blue-marble.de/nightlights/2012

[johnd]

Needless is a simulation and a bit low-res, but then the avex-astro is also a theoretical model, and can be a bit pessimistic, local conditions can give better skies than predicted. Although where I live gets dire results in both models (Bortle 8-9) I did see a Bortle 6 sky here back in Dec. Alas the garden was too soaked to take advantage of it.

This site shows actual light seen from space, but again is a bit low res, as well as lacking in location labels

http://www.blue-marble.de/nightlights/2012

Yes, another good resource and confirms that for me 15-20miles South of Wimbledon should get me some good Darker skies. A cycle friend has found what I think is a great site for anyone in the SW London areas. If you google Headley Cricket Club Ground and look for the Car park beside it on the B2033. It has almost 360degree views and zero lights so apart from the glare of London to the North it should be a lot better than what I have a present. I plan to go as soon as its OK with my wife and new Baby

[astrorabbit]

Yes, another good resource and confirms that for me 15-20miles South of Wimbledon should get me some good Darker skies. A cycle friend has found what I think is a great site for anyone in the SW London areas. If you google Headley Cricket Club Ground and look for the Car park beside it on the B2033. It has almost 360degree views and zero lights so apart from the glare of London to the North it should be a lot better than what I have a present. I plan to go as soon as its OK with my wife and new Baby

Yep Headley is fantastic, has a good solid ground to setup on too. When I was last down with a fellow SGL member we had a lot of traffic passing by which was odd for a week night but we'll definitely return when the skies clear a bit again.

[johnd]

Yep Headley is fantastic, has a good solid ground to setup on too. When I was last down with a fellow SGL member we had a lot of traffic passing by which was odd for a week night but we'll definitely return when the skies clear a bit again.

Great to get confirmation of people that have actually been there

I plan to go probably after 10-11pm so hope there isn't too many cars?

[astrorabbit]

Great to get confirmation of people that have actually been there

I plan to go probably after 10-11pm so hope there isn't too many cars?

Should be fine as things started to die down a bit then, apart from some lads who decided to drive their 4x4 lit like a Christmas tree up on the mound in the middle of the car park to take a mobile phone snap of its offroad capabilities, I treated them to being blinded by a rather powerful torch I own. They didn't stay long, but nor did we as a foggy haze rolled in and it was bloomin freezing.

Even through the haze we spotted quite a lot, it also helped confirm how little light pollution was there as there was little refelcting back down. Much much better than my back garden which is pretty decent for London.

Just waiting for the next good night to take the dobs down now. Will likely leave a post up on the forum so that people can join the fun

[johnd]

Should be fine as things started to die down a bit then, apart from some lads who decided to drive their 4x4 lit like a Christmas tree up on the mound in the middle of the car park to take a mobile phone snap of its offroad capabilities, I treated them to being blinded by a rather powerful torch I own. They didn't stay long, but nor did we as a foggy haze rolled in and it was bloomin freezing.

Even through the haze we spotted quite a lot, it also helped confirm how little light pollution was there as there was little refelcting back down. Much much better than my back garden which is pretty decent for London.

Just waiting for the next good night to take the dobs down now. Will likely leave a post up on the forum so that people can join the fun

Sounds like a great idea and if I can get away I'd love to bring my Dob along.

[astrorabbit]

Sounds like a great idea and if I can get away I'd love to bring my Dob along.

I'll bring some gaffer tape... We're making binoculars!

[PeterW]

Ranmore or albury... Headley is another option, but not as dark. I anyone is heading off and has spare seats there a few if us who wouldn't mind a lift!

Cheers

PEterW

[acey]

I'm in SW London Wimbledon and was wondering if/when I when the chance and can squeeze the 12" Flexi Dob and the more problematic Base into my car? I'd love to see what my scope can do in a Darker Sky. So I found a site that seems to give a really good idea of what a clear sky would show depending on the location. I wondered if people from darker skys can confirm if the views shown are accurate?

For me it looks like a trip to the north portion of the South Downs is my best Dark sky as I'd go straight down the A3 and then head in-land?

http://www.need-less.org.uk/

It's a nice website but be aware that the data is nearly 15 years old and the visibility model they used (assuming it's the usual one) has been shown to be inaccurate. So their representations in most cases will probably be extremely optimistic. The only way to find out what's visible from a site is to go there (on a clear moonless night) and see for yourself. 

The South Downs National Park is running a sky monitoring program and is seeking IDA accreditation so sounds like a good place to try if it's convenient for you.

http://www.southdowns.gov.uk/looking-after/dark-skies

The base of a 12" flextube should fit onto your car seat - maybe front passenger one pushed back if it's a small car. Mine goes on the back seat, with scope and other gear in the boot.