Have you ever experienced a truly dark sky...
It may be summer but there is still lots to see in the dark skies of Northumberland. In 2019 the Perseid meteor shower is active between 17 July and 24 August with the number of meteors increasing every night until it reaches a peak in mid-August after which it will tail off. This year the peak falls on the night of the 12th and before dawn on 13 August.
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At 580 square miles, our county's dark sky zone - Northumberland International Dark Sky Park - is the largest area of protected night sky in Europe and makes the perfect location to view the dramatic meteor shower. Nestled within this astronomical oasis is the magnificent Kielder Observatory a public star-gazing facility like no other in the UK.
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The Perseid meteor shower dazzles the night skies every July and August and is caused by the Earth hitting the debris left behind by comet '109P/Swift-Tuttle'. The Perseid meteor shower is one of the highlights of many meteor hunters’ calendar due to its high hourly rate and bright meteors.
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Kielder Observatory is run by a team of passionate scientists and presenters, the observatory exists to share the magic of the night sky with everyone old or young, experienced astronomer or curious beginner. Their desire to let people experience a truly dark sky, and inspire a deeper sense of wonder because of it, makes Kielder Observatory a remarkable place, not just for Northumberland, but for planet earth.
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Dark Sky Park
At 580 square miles, our county's dark sky zone - Northumberland International Dark Sky Park - is the largest area of protected night sky in Europe.
Find out more about Kielder Observatory