Millshield car park and picnic area is a fantastic stargazing location near Derwent Reservoir. It is distant enough from nearby sources of light pollution to afford excellent views of the night skies, with the Milky Way clearly visible. As such, the location is frequently used by Members of the Sunderland Astronomical Society. Overnight parking is allowed, but no camping or caravanning, for a small charge.
Location events organiser
Sunderland Astronomical Society organises events at this location
Please contact Sunderland Astronomical Society directly with any enquiries relating to visiting this location
Email: [email protected]
Website: Sunderland Astronomical Society
Twitter: @sunderlandastro
Facebook: Sunderland Astronomical Society
Weather forecast
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16/04/24
8° 6% -
16/04/24
5° 2% -
17/04/24
3° 38% -
17/04/24
2° 0%
Weather forecast for Edmundbyres Youth Hostel (2.0 miles away) updated 16/04/24 at 20:01.
Local light pollution
Millshield car park and picnic area is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to arural rural location based on the latest data from the VIIRS satellite.
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Urban
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Suburban
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Semi-rural
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Rural
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Dark site
The above demonstrates the estimated effect of light pollution - graphics created using Stellarium.
Best time to visit
The below chart shows when the skies will be at their darkest at this location and therefore the best time to visit. Moonlight is shown in light yellow and the Sun's twilight in light blue. Midnight on the date shown is shown as a white line with sunset to the left and sunrise the next morning to the right. A black background with stars shows the best times for stargazing. See our dark sky calendar for more details.
Tue 16th Apr
Wed 17th Apr
Thu 18th Apr
Fri 19th Apr
Sat 20th Apr
Sun 21st Apr
Mon 22nd Apr
Find more dates
If you are planning to visit this location check our dark sky calendar to find out when is best!
CalendarEvents nearby
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