Northern Lights Edinburgh: These are the 10 best places to stargaze and see the Aurora Borealis in and around the Scottish Capital
In fact, there are several places you can go to stargaze without even leaving Edinburgh, while a short drive of under an hour will take you to darker skies where even more of the wonders of the galaxy will be revealed.
You don’t need any fancy or expensive equipment – a pair of cheap binoculars is plenty for a beginner, while a mobile phone app such as Star Walk can help you tell your Canis Majors from your Ursa Minors.
Keep an eye on the news for any celestial events too – including meteor showers, lunar eclipses, comets and the phases of the moon – so you can time your trips accordingly.
You may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Earlier this year they were visible across the country and astronomers have predicted that there could be further displays this week.
And, it goes without saying that you should check the weather forecast so that you don’t end up looking at cloud all night.
Once you’ve done your astonomical homework, here are 10 of the best places to go to see the stars within an hour of the Capital.
Read more:
Keep an eye on the news for any celestial events too – including meteor showers, lunar eclipses, comets and the phases of the moon – so you can time your trips accordingly.
5. The Pentlands
A short drive from Edinburgh takes you to the wilderness of the Pentlands, which can offer great stargazing opportunities. Drive up to one of the reservoirs, such as Glencorse (pictured), to have the best view of the night sky. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Newbattle Abbey College
Another place near the Capital designated as a Dark Sky Discovery Site is Newbattle Abbey College, just outside Dalkeith, which has very low levels of light pollution. Photo: Google Maps
7. East Neuk of Fife
You're never too far away from darkness on the coastline of the East Neuk of Fife. Take a walk from Elie to Lady's Tower and look to the skies for a fine display of stars. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Lammermuir Hills
Light pollution maps of central Scotland show that one of the darkest places is the Lammermuir Hills. Just a short drive from Edinburgh, they are in East Lothian, just to the south of Haddington. Photo: Canva/Getty Images