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Brecon Beacons wins special protection for its dark sky at night
Brecon Beacons wins special protection for its dark sky at night
(about 1 hour later)
The deep darkness of the night sky above the mountains of the Brecon Beacons has won special protection, becoming only the fifth place in the world to be saved from light pollution. Prince Charles backed the campaign for the Welsh mountain range to be granted the status of an "international dark sky reserve".
The Brecon Beacons have won the status of "international dark sky reserve" – the fifth place in the world to gain the accolade from the International Dark-Sky Association.
Jim Wilson, chairman of the Brecon Beacons Park Society, said: "It recognises here as one of the best places in Europe to truly see dark skies."
The site, seen here in a long-exposure photograph, joins Mont Mégantic in Quebec, Exmoor national park in Devon, Aoraki Mackenzie in New Zealand and the NamibRand nature reserve in Namibia. Galloway Forest Park in Scotland is an "international dark sky park"
The status means the night sky is protected, with controls in place to prevent light pollution. The park already has some of Britain's darkest skies, ideal for stargazing.
The Brecon Beacons now joins Mont Mégantic in Quebec, Canada; Exmoor national park in Devon; Aoraki Mackenzie in New Zealand; and NambiRand nature reserve in Namibia with the status.
On a clear night above the Beacons, stargazers can see the Milky Way, as well as constellations, bright nebulas and meteor showers.
Martin Morgan-Taylor, of the International Dark-Sky Association, said: "The best views of the night sky come from places such as the Brecon Beacons, who have dedicated themselves to protecting and restoring the night sky for all to enjoy."
