A Perfect tranquil place to observe the Universe
Only an hours drive from Newcastle upon Tyne
Imagine Stargazing like a Roman within the Northumberland National Park's dark sky discovery site. Located in the central area of Hadrian’s Wall near Haltwhistle. Cawfields Quarry picnic spot is one of the darkest skies in England.
Address:
Cawfield Car Park
Hadrian's Wall
Nr Haltwhistle
NE49 9NN
Address:
Cawfield Car Park
Hadrian's Wall
Nr Haltwhistle
NE49 9NN
What to expect at the Quarry Dark Sky discovery site
The area is set alongside a disused quarry, with picnic tables and plenty of room for cars to park free. They have a free toilet block for both male and female patrons.
They have a webcam facing east to see the horizon and free WIFI near the toilet block.
There is a walking path which follows along the quarry up and along the Hadrian's wall running from east to west. Where many walkers pass and even very late at night.
In 2014 a small square concrete patch was introduced by the NNP to be able to place telescope on to observe. And along side that is information on the night sky a rotatably wooden platform
They have a webcam facing east to see the horizon and free WIFI near the toilet block.
There is a walking path which follows along the quarry up and along the Hadrian's wall running from east to west. Where many walkers pass and even very late at night.
In 2014 a small square concrete patch was introduced by the NNP to be able to place telescope on to observe. And along side that is information on the night sky a rotatably wooden platform
What will you see at night?
Here is a few pointers to consider for a night stargazing
Before heading out check the local weather forecast. you won't see anything if its bad weather. Haltwhistle is the closest town.
Also you need to take note of when the Moon is about. The best time to go is when it is just before and after a new moon. When the moon starts to hit a quarter full it starts to wash out the night sky.
A moon calendar can be found here to help you chose which day to to visit.
The Picnic area is great to watch Meteor showers. Even Tim Peake has flew over with the International Space Station. A ISS tracker website can be found here (Under Satellites click ISS change in Location: Unspecified to Haltwhistle this is seen top right of the web page then select update) the times will appear for Haltwhistle).
The night sky will start to come alive once you have given your eyes time to adjust to the dark. This takes about 30-40 minutes with no white light exposure.
Giving your eyes this time to adjust you can then start to see The Milky Way across the horizon and right above your head. Now depending on the time of the year, the best time to see The Milky Way is when their is full astronomical darkness. End of Autumn to the end of Spring is a great time to see The Milky Way at Cawfields Quarry. During the Summer months you will get a twilight sky and the light does effect the viewing of the Milky way. The Milky way is still visible but not as good unless you have a good clear of clouds and a dark sky.
Before heading out check the local weather forecast. you won't see anything if its bad weather. Haltwhistle is the closest town.
Also you need to take note of when the Moon is about. The best time to go is when it is just before and after a new moon. When the moon starts to hit a quarter full it starts to wash out the night sky.
A moon calendar can be found here to help you chose which day to to visit.
The Picnic area is great to watch Meteor showers. Even Tim Peake has flew over with the International Space Station. A ISS tracker website can be found here (Under Satellites click ISS change in Location: Unspecified to Haltwhistle this is seen top right of the web page then select update) the times will appear for Haltwhistle).
The night sky will start to come alive once you have given your eyes time to adjust to the dark. This takes about 30-40 minutes with no white light exposure.
Giving your eyes this time to adjust you can then start to see The Milky Way across the horizon and right above your head. Now depending on the time of the year, the best time to see The Milky Way is when their is full astronomical darkness. End of Autumn to the end of Spring is a great time to see The Milky Way at Cawfields Quarry. During the Summer months you will get a twilight sky and the light does effect the viewing of the Milky way. The Milky way is still visible but not as good unless you have a good clear of clouds and a dark sky.