Scottish Dark Sky Observatory
Craigengillan Lodge, Dalmellington, East Ayrshire, KA6 7PZ
The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory occupies a fantastic hilltop site on the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park border. Equipped with two large telescopes and running a full program of stargazing events throughout the year, this location is one of the premier stargazing locations in the UK.
Updated 23/06/21 – Scottish Dark Sky Observatory destroyed by fire
In the early hours of 23rd June 2021, the SDSO caught fire and was destroyed in a suspected arson attack. This news was, of course, devastating for the staff and volunteers who worked so hard, making the venue one of the best stargazing destinations in the UK. We offer our condolences to all connected with the observatory and hope that the facility is rebuilt and can re-open soon.
If you would like to make a donation to the charity that runs the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory you can do so here.
Location events organiser
Scottish Dark Sky Observatory organises events at this location
Please contact Scottish Dark Sky Observatory directly with any enquiries relating to visiting this location
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://scottishdarkskyobservatory.co.uk/
Twitter: @darkskyobs
Facebook: Scottish Dark Sky Observatory
Weather forecast
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24/07/21
21° 4% -
24/07/21
18° 0% -
25/07/21
12° 0% -
25/07/21
11° 0%
Weather forecast for Dalmellington (2.3 miles away) updated 24/07/21 at 20:00.
Local light pollution
Scottish Dark Sky Observatory is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to a dark site location based on satellite data from CPRE.
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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.
Sat 24th Jul
Sun 25th Jul
Mon 26th Jul
Tue 27th Jul
Wed 28th Jul
Thu 29th Jul
Fri 30th Jul
Find more dates
If you are planning to visit this location check our dark sky calendar to find out when is best!
Calendar