With stargazing becoming more popular, one area in Wales has been ranked as the best place in the UK to enjoy astro-tourism and watch the partial solar eclipse this weekend. Interest in the sky has grown following sightings of the Northern Lights in the UK and a surge in the hobby during the pandemic.
A partial solar eclipse is expected to happen on Saturday, March 29, and be visible in the UK between 10am and midday. The phenomenon is when the moon passes between the the sun and earth and looks to cover some of the sun, something that only happens a few times a year.
Snowdonia has been ranked as the best place in the UK to go for astro-tourism with the Cambrian Mountains and Brecon Beacons also making the top ten. It tops the list of ten places compiled by Planet Cruise, which includes Scafell Pike, the Yorkshire Dales and the Shetland Islands. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here.
Planet Cruise ranked the national park top for being the best place for stargazing. They said: "With an elevation of 700 metres and extremely low light pollution, it offers breath-taking views of the Milky Way, constellations, and even meteor showers. The vast national park provides numerous vantage points, ensuring an unforgettable stargazing experience."
Interlaken in Switzerland was ranked as the best place for stargazing in the world with an elevation of 3,401 metres and low light pollution. The area is the perfect place for people interested in winter sports and the Milky Way can often be spotted.
The UK list in full
- Snowdonia, Wales.
- Wasdale (Scafell Pike), Cumbria.
- Derwentwater, Cumbria.
- North York Moors, Yorkshire.
- Yorkshire Dales, Yorkshire.
- Shetland Island, Scotland.
- Black Down, West Sussex.
- Cambrian Mountains, Wales.
- Carding Mill Valley on the Long Mynd, Shropshire.
- Brecon Beacons, Wales.
