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OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory

OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory

Davagh Forest, Cookstown, County Tyrone, BT79 8JH

Best time to visit

Opened in April 2020, the visitor centre in Davagh Forest offers easy access to nearby mountain bike trail routes and forest walks by day and exploration of the stunning dark skies by night. In addition, the centre is home to an observatory equipped with a large 14″ aperture telescope perfect for observing the Universe above!

OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory is a Dark Sky Discovery Site, an officially recognised place where anyone can stargaze. Most such locations have overnight parking (sometimes with a fee); however, many do not allow overnight camping. There may or may not be toilet facilities.

Location events organiser

OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory

OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory organises events at this location

Please contact OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory directly with any enquiries relating to visiting this location

Email: [email protected]
Website: OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory
Twitter: @omdarksky
Facebook: OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory

Weather forecast

  • 20/04/24

    8° 5%

  • 20/04/24

    6° 0%

  • 21/04/24

    5° 0%

  • 21/04/24

    5° 0%

Weather forecast for Slieveavaddy (3.8 miles away) updated 20/04/24 at 12:00.

Local light pollution

OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to adark site dark site location based on the latest data from the VIIRS satellite.

The above demonstrates the estimated effect of light pollution - graphics created using Stellarium.

Light pollution map of OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory

Best time to visit

The Moon has a big impact on the visibility of celestial bodies in the night sky. Try to plan your stargazing when there is no bright Moon at night as this is when the skies will be at their darkest.

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.

Moon phase on Sat 20th Apr

Sat 20th Apr

Waxing Gibbous
86 % illuminated
NO DARKNESS
Moon phase on Sun 21st Apr

Sun 21st Apr

Waxing Gibbous
92 % illuminated
NO DARKNESS
Moon phase on Mon 22nd Apr

Mon 22nd Apr

Full Moon
96 % illuminated
NO DARKNESS
Moon phase on Tue 23rd Apr

Tue 23rd Apr

Full Moon
99 % illuminated
NO DARKNESS
Moon phase on Wed 24th Apr

Wed 24th Apr

Full Moon
100 % illuminated
NO DARKNESS
Moon phase on Thu 25th Apr

Thu 25th Apr

Full Moon
99 % illuminated
Dark from 21:25 to 22:21
Dark for 0h 55m
Moon phase on Fri 26th Apr

Fri 26th Apr

Waning Gibbous
96 % illuminated
Dark from 21:28 to 23:45
Dark for 2h 16m

Find more dates

If you are planning to visit this location check our dark sky calendar to find out when is best!

Calendar

Forthcoming events

Below is a list of events at OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory. View these events on our calendar, add them to your calendar or Google Calendar.

Stay and gaze nearby

Stay at one of these stargazing-friendly accommodation providers.

  • Sperrinview Glamping

    71 Blackrock Road, Cookstown, County Tyrone, BT80 9PA (1.2 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info

  • Manor View Bed & Breakfast – Cookstown

    Cookstown, Kildress, County Tyrone, BT80 9RS (6.5 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info