Scottish Dark Sky Observatory

The astronomer Carl Sagan once said, ‘We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe.’

Start searching the universe for more desirable lodgings on this Big Deal with the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory.

Occupying a fantastic hilltop site on the edge of the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park, the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory sits under some of the darkest skies in the UK and has two large telescopes through which to observe the night sky.

Gold tier Dark Sky Park

It is the only publicly accessible research-grade astronomical observatory in Scotland to be located in a gold tier Dark Sky Park, one of only two in the UK.

Available Monday to Friday, this offer is for two people to enjoy an evening session in the Observatory.

Your visit will include an introductory presentation, followed by a tour of the facility and guided use of the telescopes, all hosted by the Resident Astronomer.

Stars and planets

If the night is clear, you’ll spend time observing the night sky, viewing with both the naked eye and using the powerful telescopes, as the Resident Astronomer points out stars, planets and constellations.

There may also be time for further indoor astronomy presentations, particularly if the weather is bad.

Lasting around 90 minutes, or possibly slightly longer if it’s a completely clear night, you’re sure to have a fantastic experience, even if the weather isn’t completely on your side.

So get out to one of Scotland’s most incredible landscapes and look up to see the magic!

Happy stargazers

The Observatory has attracted lots of enthusiastic reviews on TripAdvisor:

‘Fantastic experience. Wow! What a great evening. The astronomer was great even though weather was poor. We saw Jupiter, Venus and Saturn as well as two stars and a cluster… I learned so much and would like to return. Yes, the road is an adventure but that all adds to the experience – the new signs do help… This is a must for anyone interested in astronomy.’

This Big Deal writer has spent an evening at the Dark Sky Observatory and it was absolutely fascinating. If you have ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what is up there, then a visit to an observatory is mind-blowing.

This offer would make a thoughtful and unusual birthday present; a very romantic date or an alternative night out.

Snap up this Big Deal with the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory and the sky is not the limit.