6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Brecon Beacons: Top place to see the Perseid meteor shower
Stargazers could be in for an extraordinary cosmic display tonight (Tuesday) as the annual Perseid meteor shower is set to reach its peak over Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.
The Mid Wales mountain range offers one of the best locations in the UK to see the dark sky event, which is reaching its peak this evening.
A designated International Dark Sky Reserve, the park promises unobstructed views of the night sky, making it ideal for meteor watching.
This year, the Perseid meteor shower, an annual highlight of many astronomers' calendars due to its high hourly rate and bright meteors, will be active until the August 24.
Nick Busby, chairman of Usk and Abergavenny Astronomical Societies, said: 'Bannau Brycheiniog National Park is a great location for stargazing and observing the main celestial events in the night sky.
'August 12 is not only the peak of the Perseids meteor shower, but in the early hours of the morning, will also feature an appulse when Jupiter and Venus, two of the brightest objects in the sky, appear closest together.'
The National Park Authority encourages visitors to dress warmly and allow their eyes to adjust to night mode by using a red light.
Suggested viewing locations include Usk Reservoir, Hay Bluff and Llangorse Lake. Visitors are also reminded to respect the natural environment and residents, follow the countryside code, and check the weather forecast before heading out.
For those looking to explore the wonders of Bannau Brycheiniog's International Dark Sky Reserve, the National Park will be hosting a Dark Sky Festival on Saturday, September 20.
Held at the National Park Visitor Centre in Libanus, one of the top stargazing locations in the UK, the Dark Sky Festival brings together a programme of planetarium shows, walks, guided stargazing and workshops.
Festival highlights include Nature by Night, a captivating series of activities where children aged 3–12 can discover the wonders of dark skies and fascinating nocturnal wildlife.
Celebrated photographer Dafydd Wyn Morgan will be hosting a special Astrophotography session to capture the Milky Way and other celestial objects.
The festival also features the Ultimate Stargazing Event, a three-part cosmic adventure that includes an immersive planetarium experience, talks from leading experts, and the chance to explore the night sky using powerful telescopes.
