New observatory in North Yorkshire to open for Dark Skies

The Dark Skies Station, based at Danby Lodge National Park Centre in North Yorkshire, will be opened by the North York Moors National Park Authority as a permanent facility dedicated to astronomy and space science.

It aims to broaden public access to the National Park’s internationally recognised dark skies through year-round education and stargazing sessions.

The Dark Skies Station (Image: Olivia Brabbs)

John McCue, a founder member of the Cleveland and Darlington Astronomical Society and associate lecturer with the Open University, 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.”

The facility features a large, state-of-the-art telescope housed in a retractable-roof observatory, designed for both visual observation and astrophotography.

The Dark Skies Station (Image: Olivia Brabbs)

With a focus on accessibility, the telescope includes adjustable viewing positions suitable for children, wheelchair users, and visitors with other access needs.

The accessible, timber building also includes a warm room for up to 30 people, where talks and hands-on learning can take place.

A compact smart telescope inside the room captures digital images of celestial objects, which visitors can download as mementoes of their visit.

The site also includes an interactive exhibition, Discover the Universe, which explains basic astronomy concepts through tactile and audio-visual displays.

Outdoor observing area is available for larger groups to gather under the open sky.

The Dark Skies Station will open as part of the North York Moors’ 2026 Dark Skies Festival, and will host public drop-in sessions on Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15 from 11am to 4pm.

Visitors are invited to explore the new facility and hear directly from those involved in the project.

One-hour sessions titled What’s Up in the Night Sky will be held at 11am and 2pm on both days.

Environmental sustainability has been a key focus in the design and construction of the building, which uses FSC-certified timber, UK-made insulation from carbon-neutral suppliers, and roof tiles containing a high proportion of recycled material.

Solar panels and an air-source heat pump provide renewable energy, with surplus electricity helping to power the Danby Lodge site.

Funding for the project came from multiple sources, including the Wolfson Foundation and a legacy donation.

The facility will support a year-round programme of public observing sessions, community outreach, and educational events.

The North York Moors was designated an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2020 in recognition of its efforts to reduce light pollution and protect the natural nightscape.

For more information about the Dark Skies Festival and the full schedule of events, visit darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk.