AT THIS time of year, with the nights drawing in and squally showers helpfully blowing away the daytime cloud and murk, to leave behind still, clear nights, astronomers and sky watchers are coming out of their summer hibernation to gaze at the stars again. Unfortunately, the increasing light pollution produced by streetlights, advertising signs and security lights means people living in towns and villages can only see a few stars and the constellations they make.

To see the night sky in all its awe-inspiring beauty we now have to get out into the countryside, away from as many lights as possible. Although that's easier here in the Lakes than it is in many parts of the country, it is still a challenge to find somewhere truly dark. But it is worth an hour's drive to find an oasis of darkness, because then you can see the true beauty of the stars.

This week, try to do just that. If you can, you will see the Milky Way airbrushed across the sky like a band of grey mist, and stars strewn everywhere like glittering like jewels. You'll also see so many satellites drifting across the sky you'll lose count, and probably a shooting star or two as well.

Stuart Atkinson

Eddington Astronomical Society of Kendal