Fildes is a leading figure in the UK’s growing astrotourism industry. The key moment for Northumberland came in 2013 when the entire national park, about 1,500 square kilometers in area, got Dark Sky Park status. It is the only one in England. Dark Sky Parks are rare. The 2013 Star Count showed that only 5% of the UK population can see more than 31 stars on a clear night. The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) gives the status of Dark Sky Park only to places that take big steps to prevent light pollution. The areas must also prove their night skies are very dark. In Northumberland Dark Sky Park, it is so dark that Venus casts a shadow on the Earth.
What did the 2013 Star Count find?
That only a small portion of the population could see over 31 stars on a clear night That 5% of the UK population goes out to look at stars That Fieldes is the leading figure in the UK’s astrotourism industry That the UK is one of the best countries in the world for stargazing