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Save the date for stargazing and lunar extravaganza



Save the date for stargazing and lunar extravaganza

January 5, 2019

It’s time to get moonstruck

South Downs Dark Skies Festival – 15 February to 3 March 2019

The South Downs Dark Skies Festival returns from Friday 15 February to Sunday 3 March 2019 with events across the National Park. With 2019 marking 50 years since the Apollo 11 moon landing this year’s event, which celebrates the National Park’s International Dark Sky Reserve status, will have a distinctly lunar theme.

There will be talks, activities and star parties taking place across the length and breadth of the South Downs during the festival.

Find your nearest events on the South Downs Dark Skies festival website from December 2018.

The festival’s flagship event, Stargazing South Downs, will return to Midhurst on Saturday 16 February and, for first time, also come to Petersfield on Monday 18 February, and Lewes on Wednesday 20 February during the school half-term. Look out for outdoor star- and moon-gazing (fingers crossed for a clear night) as well as indoor talks and activities where you can meet some of the wildlife that loves the night, discover why the moon is so important, dress up as an astronaut to stage your very own moon landing, or learn the secrets of taking stunning night photography.

‘Dark-Skies’ Dan Oakley, Lead Ranger at the South Downs National Park, said:

“The star-studded skies above our heads are as valuable as our beautiful rolling landscapes and we can’t wait to share them with even more people.

“The South Downs Dark Skies Festival is our chance to show-off our night skies, share tips on how to enjoy them and explain why they are worth protecting. With the full moon falling during the festival we’re looking forward to telling the story of our nearest neighbour and the influence it has on plants, animals and us. Embrace the darkness and get moonstruck!”