Seeing stars

Devon is home to an International Dark Skies Reserve, and this October sees plenty of opportunities to discover its moonlit secrets

- Catherine Courtenay

Night is falling on an autumnal evening and most of us are retreating indoors. But high up on Exmoor nocturnal gatherings are taking place, small groups of people are meeting to explore a moonlit world.

This year marks the fourth annual Exmoor Dark Skies Festival. A host of events and activities take place over two weeks in October, all of which celebrate the moor’s designation as an International Dark Skies Reserve.

It’s very rare to look up and see a truly dark night sky because of light pollution, but the Exmoor landscape is unique in that it’s sufficiently free of man-made light sources. On a clear night, it’s a perfect place to go stargazing.

The festival is organised by Exmoor National Park Authority, working with individuals and businesses on the moor. It includes many opportunities to learn about the stars and go out onto the moor to see them. Even on a cloudy evening, it’s a fascinating place to explore.