Dark skies are found in rural areas that are free of urban light pollution. From a city centre location we might see fewer than 100 stars with our naked eyes. Under a dark sky we can see over 1,000 stars. We can even see our own galaxy, The Milky Way, stretching across the sky.

The highly successful Dark Sky Scotland project will continue into 2009, and it will be used as a model to develop a network of Dark Sky regions throughout the UK, under the umbrella of Dark Sky Discovery. These regions are:

• North-east England
• North-west England
• Yorkshire and the Humber
• East Midlands
• West Midlands
• East of England
• South-east England
• South-west England
• Greater London
• Northern Ireland
• Wales

In each of these regions, networks of astronomers will work with community groups throughout 2009 to establish a variety of Dark Sky Discovery Sites, bringing local communities closer to the skies above them.

In addition, IYA2009 is looking to establish a network of Dark Sky Parks across the UK, designated by the International Dark-skies Association, and happening in National Parks, forest parks and other areas of dark skies. Is you represent a park that wishes to seek Dark Sky Park status, then please read these guidelines, and contact IYA2009 co-ordinator Steve Owens.