Escape the worst of Dorchester’s light pollution with a short trip out of the town to the Maiden Castle Car Park.
This stargazing location is recommended by Dorset-based amateur astronomer The Astro Guy.
Weather forecast
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20/09/25
14° 10% -
20/09/25
12° 2% -
21/09/25
11° 2% -
21/09/25
10° 4%
Weather forecast for Dorchester (1.7 miles away) updated 20/09/25 at 04:02.
Local light pollution
Maiden Castle Car Park is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to a semi-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.
Sat 20th Sep
Sun 21st Sep
Mon 22nd Sep
Tue 23rd Sep
Wed 24th Sep
Thu 25th Sep
Fri 26th Sep
Find more dates
If you are planning to visit this location check our dark sky calendar to find out when is best!
CalendarEvents nearby
Stay and gaze nearby
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