The North York Moors National Park Authority will this month open its astronomical observatory at Danby Lodge National Park Centre, adding a new permanent, purpose-built base for astronomy and space science learning in North Yorkshire.
As the National Park marks the start of the 2026 Dark Skies Festival, the new facility, known as the Dark Skies Station, marks a major milestone in widening public access to the North York Moors’ internationally recognised night skies. Designated an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2020, the National Park is recognised for the exceptional quality of its starlit skies and its ongoing work to reduce light pollution for the benefit of wildlife, people and landscape.
To celebrate the opening, the Dark Skies Station will host public drop-in sessions on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 February from 11am to 4pm, giving visitors the chance to explore the new facility and hear directly from those involved in the project. On both days, additional one-hour sessions entitled ‘What’s Up in the Night Sky’ will take place at 11am and 2pm. These are led by John McCue, founder member of the Cleveland and Darlington Astronomical Society, Associate Lecturer with the Open University and Member of the North York Moors National Park Authority.
John said:
“This observatory represents a significant step forward in how people can experience and understand the night sky above the North York Moors.”
“It allows us to offer high-quality, inclusive observing experiences in a place where darkness is still something truly special, opening up views of planets, star clusters and distant galaxies to people of all ages and abilities.”
At the heart of the Dark Skies Station is a large, state-of-the-art telescope housed within a retractable-roof observatory, designed for both visual observation and astrophotography. Adjustable viewing positions ensure the telescope can be comfortably used by children, wheelchair users and visitors with a range of access needs, helping to make stargazing a shared and welcoming experience.
The accessible, timber building also includes a warm room for up to 30 people, providing space for talks, presentations and hands-on learning. A compact ‘smart’ telescope within the room can capture vivid stacked images of celestial objects, allowing visitors to download digital images as a lasting record of their visit.
An interactive ‘Discover the Universe’ exhibition introduces key concepts in astronomy through tactile and audio-visual elements, while the surrounding outdoor area provides additional space for group observing and guided interpretation beneath the open sky.
Sustainability has also been central to the design of the Dark Skies Station. The building uses FSC-certified timber, insulation manufactured in the UK by carbon-neutral suppliers, and roof tiles containing a high proportion of recycled material. Solar panels generate electricity for lighting and heating, supported by an air-source heat pump, with surplus energy contributing to the wider Danby Lodge site.
The project has been made possible through a combination of funding sources, including generous support from the Wolfson Foundation, an independent grant-making charity committed to advancing education and research, alongside a legacy donation that helped turn the vision for the Dark Skies Station into reality.
The Dark Skies Station will support a year-round programme of observing sessions, learning opportunities and community engagement, strengthening the North York Moors’ role as a leading destination for dark skies, science education and environmental stewardship.
The Dark Skies Festival runs from Friday 13 February to Sunday 1 March and includes events across both the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. There are more details at https://www.darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk/north-york-moors-events
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