Galloway Forest, UK Clear Sky Chart

Galloway Forest, UK (55.08°, -4.63°) · Updated 14:34 GMT
18
Poor
medium confidence ⓘ
medium · Forecast stability

Tonight's forecast has shifted a little across recent updates — worth a re-check closer to dusk. We compare how much tonight's score has moved across our recent forecast updates, a score that's held steady is more trustworthy.

Confidence reflects how trustworthy the forecast is, it doesn't change the score.

Probably skip tonight
Mostly cloudy but bright moonlight limits faint objects. High dew risk, so optics will fog without dew heaters.
Sunset
16:49
Sunrise
07:16
Usable Hours
0/12
Moon
89%
Visible Planets
♂ Mars46° SE
♃ Jupiter40° SE
♄ Saturn36° S
⛢ Uranus56° S
♆ Neptune35° S
Sky darkness
Very dark (Bortle 1-3)
SQM 21.6, estimated from satellite night lights. A property of the place, separate from tonight’s score. How we estimate this
Open Full Galloway Forest, UK Forecast →
Hour-by-hour scores · Planet rise/set & visibility · ISS & satellite passes · Moon detail · Full score breakdown · Aurora & observer profiles

Stargazing in Galloway Forest, UK

Galloway Forest Park was the UK's first Dark Sky Park, achieving Bortle 2–3 conditions on clear nights. Located in south-west Scotland's remote hill country, the nearest significant light sources are over 50km away. The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory sits within the park, offering public sessions and rental telescopes. At 55°N, the site is excellent for aurora during active periods, and the Milky Way is vivid from horizon to horizon on clear summer nights. Scotland's western climate means cloud is frequent, but clearances are often spectacularly transparent.

Galloway Forest, UK Stargazing FAQ

How dark is Galloway Forest?∨
Galloway Forest Park was the UK's first Dark Sky Park, achieving Bortle 2-3 on clear nights. The nearest significant light sources are over 50km away, making it one of the darkest accessible locations in Britain.
Can you see the northern lights from Galloway Forest?∨
Yes — at 55°N, the forest has good aurora prospects during active geomagnetic periods. The dark skies and open moorland horizons make it an excellent aurora-watching location as well as a deep-sky site.
Is there an observatory at Galloway Forest?∨
Yes — the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory sits within the park, offering public observing sessions, rental telescopes, and astrophotography workshops. It's open most clear evenings during the darker months.

Stargazing guides

Is Tonight Good for Stargazing?

The answer depends on five things you can check right now.

Light Pollution & the Bortle Scale

How dark is your sky: and what difference does it make?

What Planets Are Visible Tonight?

Real visibility data for all 7 naked-eye and telescope planets, calculated for your location.

Best Places to Stargaze: UK Dark Sky Sites

Certified dark sky sites, hidden gems, and how to find the darkest skies near you.

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