Stargazing and dark sky tourism (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

By Megan Lane
BBC News Magazine

It's cold and dark - and the best time of year for stargazing. When dusk falls, step outside and look up. Star tourism is free - and areas with little light pollution hope to cash in.

The moon is but a sliver. The nights are long. A partial eclipse of the Sun is due. The Quadrantid meteor shower will be visible to the naked eye. And Jupiter, Uranus and Saturn are all closer than usual.

Little wonder this is an ideal time to look to the heavens.

While light pollution means those in towns and cities have restricted views, many have spent the festive break in more remote parts - and may have been struck by just how many stars prick across the night sky.

No telescope? No problem - experts say it's best to start with a full view of the night sky. These sights will be explored in BBC Two's Stargazing Live this week, timed to coincide with the meteor shower and partial eclipse.
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more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-11949767

[Odin2005]

1. I grew up in a little rural town so I was privileged to have a dark night sky.