Celebrate Cornwall’s stunning night sky this International Dark Sky Week 21-28 April

International Dark Sky Week is a global event dedicated to appreciating the beauty of the night sky and raising awareness about the importance of dark skies, inviting everyone to explore the wonders of the night and take action to protect our nocturnal environment.

Look up into the night sky. How many stars can you see? Light pollution continues to grow at an alarming rate, doubling globally every eight years, taking away our view of the stars while harming human health and critical wildlife habitat, according to scientific studies. From enhancing wildlife biodiversity to preserving cultural heritage, dark skies are essential for a healthy planet.

Cornwall has a rich history of connection with the night sky, from the ancient astronomical monuments of our Neolithic ancestors, to pioneering astronomers such as John Couch Adams, one of the two people who independently discovered the planet Neptune, using mathematical calculations.

Cornwall National Landscape is proud to be home to two International Dark Sky Areas, designated by the awarding body DarkSky International. Both designations were secured thanks to the efforts of partnerships of local residents, businesses and land managers. Bodmin Moor International Dark Sky Landscape (Section 12 of Cornwall National Landscape), designated in 2017, was the first International Dark Sky Place in the UK within a National Landscape.

The West Penwith International Dark Sky Park (Section 07) achieved the designation in 2021. Both areas offer stunning views of the Milky Way and minimal light pollution, making them some of the best places in the world for stargazing. Other great stargazing spots include the Dark Sky Discovery sites at Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps (Section 04) and St Agnes Head (Section 05).

International Dark Sky Week 2025 is the perfect time to learn more about Cornwall’s Dark Skies and get involved. Cornwall National Landscape’s Monumental Improvement team are hosting an evening of stargazing on Friday 25 April, at South Penquite Farm on Bodmin Moor. A guided walk exploring the unique archaeology of the moor will be followed by a session with the Bodmin Moor International Dark Sky Landscape team from Caradon Observatory, who will be on hand with powerful telescopes and tips on how to read the skies. Check our website and socials for details of this and upcoming online events.

Want to do more to protect and enhance Cornwall’s precious Dark Skies for people, place, nature and climate? You can take simple actions at home, like adjusting outdoor lighting to reduce glare and skyglow. Small changes collectively make a big difference. The Dark Sky International website has hints and tips for assessing your home lighting, both helping the environment and saving you money. Join your local astronomy club or society; Bodmin Moor and West Penwith Dark Sky areas are currently welcoming new Steering Group Members and Volunteers who are passionate about our Dark Skies.

Let’s come together this International Dark Sky week, to celebrate our astronomical heritage, enjoy the night and ensure that future generations can also enjoy the beauty of a star-filled sky.

To find out more about Cornwall’s Dark Sky places, events, Steering Group membership and volunteering, visit the Dark Skies page on our website www.cornwall-landscape.org/project/dark-skies

Visit the Go Stargazing website to find a Dark Sky place, stargazing spot or event near you.

For more information about International Dark Sky Week and find out more about how to reduce your lighting impact, search DarkSky International on the web.