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Yahoo
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
These are the best stargazing sites in North America
Travelers are increasingly lifting their eyes to nighttime skies in search of impressive celestial phenomena and, perhaps, more. 'Looking up at the night sky is sort of what makes us human,' says Ruskin Hartley, the executive director of DarkSky International, a nonprofit group based in Tucson, Arizona. 'We have done it for millennia. Every single culture has told their first stories in the stars overhead, and they found meaning in the stars. Today, the vast majority of people are robbed of that.' On a clear night last November, I spent over two hours in a dome atop nearly 7,000-foot-tall Kitt Peak, an hour outside of Tucson, peering through one of their 20-plus telescopes. The moonless night along with the high and dry climate enabled our guide to share bright and clear highlights, including the Andromeda galaxy, the ringed planet Saturn with several of its moons, and a globular cluster. Outside the dome, we simply marveled at the stunning clarity of our galaxy home, the Milky Way. In the United States, 99 percent of us live in areas impacted by artificial light pollution. While dark skies are essential for many nocturnal creatures and ecosystems, recent studies have also touted the health benefits of darkness for humans. To help preserve and better connect us with this at-risk natural resource, DarkSky International has designated 155 dark sky places across the United States, six in Canada, and two in Mexico for stellar stargazing and efforts to preserve darkness. Among the five categories of dark sky certification, sanctuaries meet the most stringent requirements, says Amber Harrison, DarkSky Places program manager, and many are in the western part of the continent in less populated areas. Designated in 2024, the world's largest international sanctuary—half the size of New Jersey—is in the high desert of the Oregon Outback. This 2.5-million-acre sanctuary includes broad and flat basins, mountain ranges with elevations from 4,700 to 8,000 feet, and alkali lakes, says Dawn Nilson, a DarkSky delegate who consulted on the process. 'With little or no light pollution, you see these celestial objects against an inky black, smooth canvas,' says Nilson. 'What's particularly special about the Outback is you get to see all those stars reflected on flat, calm, alkali lakes.' Nilson usually doesn't take her telescope along because there's no need. 'With your naked eye, you can see the many colors of the stars and star-making factories, like the Orion Nebula and the Lagoon Nebula.' In this pristine darkness, you might even spy your shadow cast by starlight. (9 must-see night sky events to look forward to in 2025) Astro adventurers should be experienced 'remote travelers,' cautions Nilson, because there may be no cell service or facilities nearby. 'Always bring more layers for warmth than you think are necessary,' she advises. Outfitters, such as Bend's Wanderlust Tours, offer guided excursions, and Rose City Astronomers (partnered with the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) hosts star parties. Oregon Astronomy will team you with telescopes and a NASA ambassador. Other U.S. sanctuaries include Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Maine's Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, the only one east of the Mississippi. In the southwest, the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve spreads 15,000 square miles across southwestern Texas and Mexico and is the largest Dark Sky reserve. You'll find a constellation of guided options, from public telescope viewing at the McDonald Observatory at the University of Texas at Austin to ranger-led night walks in Big Bend National Park to starry nights with DarkSky Texas. On any dark sky-focused adventures, we all carry 'a superpower,' says Nilson: The human capacity for night vision. However, that scotopic, or low-level light vision, takes at least 30 minutes to activate fully and can be negated by a white flashlight or a glance at an illuminated screen. Seasoned stargazers recommend using red-light flashlights and scheduling your excursion during the new moon phase for optimal darkness. (A practical guide to stargazing) With 28 certified dark sky communities and parks, Utah has the highest concentration of certified skygazing options in North America. That includes Rainbow Bridge National Monument, one of the world's largest natural bridges and also a sanctuary. The catch: Getting there requires a two-hour boat ride on Lake Powell followed by a one-hour hike. The site is considered sacred by many indigenous cultures, including the Pueblo of Zuni and the Hopi Tribe. Straddling the Canadian border, the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is the first binational international Dark Sky Park and includes Montana's Glacier National Park and Canada's Waterton Lakes National Park. Known for its mountainous scenery and rich biodiversity, the area is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site, and both parks are UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. Dark Sky Guides in Waterton Lakes will maximize your viewing, and you can join Glacier's summertime ranger-led astronomy programs. In Quebec's Eastern Townships, guided astronomy activities abound at Parc National du Mont Mégantic, including an aurora borealis show in the AstroLab museum and guided stargazing with telescopes. (Activities are in French.) To achieve reserve status, local municipalities replaced 2,500 light fixtures and reduced local light pollution by 25 percent. In the park, you can hike to three mountain summits and explore diverse forest ecosystems. In Alberta, Jasper National Park is designated a Dark Sky Preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, one of 17 in the country. The town is actually within the preserve's limits. Every October the Jasper Dark Sky Festival takes place, and features a planetarium and telescope viewing, Indigenous music and storytelling, and guided night hikes. Lately, both urban and rural areas are darkening their skies to boost astrotourism. New Brunswick offers 'easy access to dark skies,' says Stéphane Picard of Cliff Valley Astronomy. 'Even in our cities, you're no more than 15 minutes away from a very dark sky.' The province has three dark-sky preserves designated by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, including Fundy National Park, known for the highest tides in the world. Other parks and towns are applying for designations to create a coastal stargazing corridor. 'When you're looking towards the Bay of Fundy from the New Brunswick coast, you're facing the southern half of the sky which is where mostly everything arises,' says Picard. 'We call that the rising tides and rising stars region.' The province hosts star parties with telescopes throughout the year. Several jurisdictions have designed stargazing trails, including Tucson's Astro Trail with 11 dark sky experiences and Montana's Trail to the Stars with 45 recommended sites. With 12 Dark Sky Parks and another dozen working toward certification, Colorado has a self-guided 'Experience the Night' itinerary, chock full of daytime activities and night-gazing sites, including Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Mexico's first urban night sky place, Joya-La Barreta Ecological Park, between Querétaro and San Miguel de Allende, focuses on educating the public about the value of darkness. (Why Tucson is one of the best places in the world to see the night sky) East Coast residents seeking closer options can head to Pennsylvania's Cherry Springs State Park, which is within the larger Susquehannock State Forest and has laser-guided night sky tours. West Virginia's Watoga State Park's name derives from the Cherokee name for 'starry waters,' and travelers may spy abundant constellations here. As stargazing gains in popularity, DarkSky International has developed its principles of responsible astrotourism, which emphasizes respect for local cultures and environmental health, along with sustainable growth. Hartley hopes that immersive dark sky experiences will inspire people to 'make some simple steps in and around your house and your neighborhood and your city to reclaim a little natural darkness.' (Big Sky, brighter stars: Why Montana is 2025's ultimate stargazing destination) Amy Brecount White is a Virginia-based writer with work seen in National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, National Parks Traveler, Sierra Magazine, and more. She focuses on travel, particularly immersive outdoor adventures and moments full of wonder. See more at -
National Geographic
5 days ago
- National Geographic
These are the best stargazing sites in North America
Travelers are increasingly lifting their eyes to nighttime skies in search of impressive celestial phenomena and, perhaps, more. 'Looking up at the night sky is sort of what makes us human,' says Ruskin Hartley, the executive director of DarkSky International, a nonprofit group based in Tucson, Arizona. 'We have done it for millennia. Every single culture has told their first stories in the stars overhead, and they found meaning in the stars. Today, the vast majority of people are robbed of that.' On a clear night last November, I spent over two hours in a dome atop nearly 7,000-foot-tall Kitt Peak, an hour outside of Tucson, peering through one of their 20-plus telescopes. The moonless night along with the high and dry climate enabled our guide to share bright and clear highlights, including the Andromeda galaxy, the ringed planet Saturn with several of its moons, and a globular cluster. Outside the dome, we simply marveled at the stunning clarity of our galaxy home, the Milky Way. In the United States, 99 percent of us live in areas impacted by artificial light pollution. While dark skies are essential for many nocturnal creatures and ecosystems, recent studies have also touted the health benefits of darkness for humans. To help preserve and better connect us with this at-risk natural resource, DarkSky International has designated 155 dark sky places across the United States, six in Canada, and two in Mexico for stellar stargazing and efforts to preserve darkness. The Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is the first binational international Dark Sky Park. Photograph by Alan Dyer, VWPics/Alamy Stock Photo In search of the darkest sanctuaries Among the five categories of dark sky certification, sanctuaries meet the most stringent requirements, says Amber Harrison, DarkSky Places program manager, and many are in the western part of the continent in less populated areas. Designated in 2024, the world's largest international sanctuary—half the size of New Jersey—is in the high desert of the Oregon Outback. This 2.5-million-acre sanctuary includes broad and flat basins, mountain ranges with elevations from 4,700 to 8,000 feet, and alkali lakes, says Dawn Nilson, a DarkSky delegate who consulted on the process. 'With little or no light pollution, you see these celestial objects against an inky black, smooth canvas,' says Nilson. 'What's particularly special about the Outback is you get to see all those stars reflected on flat, calm, alkali lakes.' Nilson usually doesn't take her telescope along because there's no need. 'With your naked eye, you can see the many colors of the stars and star-making factories, like the Orion Nebula and the Lagoon Nebula.' In this pristine darkness, you might even spy your shadow cast by starlight. (9 must-see night sky events to look forward to in 2025) Astro adventurers should be experienced 'remote travelers,' cautions Nilson, because there may be no cell service or facilities nearby. 'Always bring more layers for warmth than you think are necessary,' she advises. Outfitters, such as Bend's Wanderlust Tours, offer guided excursions, and Rose City Astronomers (partnered with the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) hosts star parties. Oregon Astronomy will team you with telescopes and a NASA ambassador. Other U.S. sanctuaries include Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Maine's Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, the only one east of the Mississippi. Rainbow Bridge National Monument is one of Utah's 28 certified dark sky communities and parks. Photograph by Ralph Ehoff, Getty Images Southwest stargazing options In the southwest, the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve spreads 15,000 square miles across southwestern Texas and Mexico and is the largest Dark Sky reserve. You'll find a constellation of guided options, from public telescope viewing at the McDonald Observatory at the University of Texas at Austin to ranger-led night walks in Big Bend National Park to starry nights with DarkSky Texas. On any dark sky-focused adventures, we all carry 'a superpower,' says Nilson: The human capacity for night vision. However, that scotopic, or low-level light vision, takes at least 30 minutes to activate fully and can be negated by a white flashlight or a glance at an illuminated screen. Seasoned stargazers recommend using red-light flashlights and scheduling your excursion during the new moon phase for optimal darkness. (A practical guide to stargazing) With 28 certified dark sky communities and parks, Utah has the highest concentration of certified skygazing options in North America. That includes Rainbow Bridge National Monument, one of the world's largest natural bridges and also a sanctuary. The catch: Getting there requires a two-hour boat ride on Lake Powell followed by a one-hour hike. The site is considered sacred by many indigenous cultures, including the Pueblo of Zuni and the Hopi Tribe. The Pleiades star cluster and the other stars of Taurus rising above Mount Kerkeslin in Jasper National Park. Composite Photograph by Alan Dyer, VWPics/Redux Look to northern skies Straddling the Canadian border, the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is the first binational international Dark Sky Park and includes Montana's Glacier National Park and Canada's Waterton Lakes National Park. Known for its mountainous scenery and rich biodiversity, the area is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site, and both parks are UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. Dark Sky Guides in Waterton Lakes will maximize your viewing, and you can join Glacier's summertime ranger-led astronomy programs. In Quebec's Eastern Townships, guided astronomy activities abound at Parc National du Mont Mégantic, including an aurora borealis show in the AstroLab museum and guided stargazing with telescopes. (Activities are in French.) To achieve reserve status, local municipalities replaced 2,500 light fixtures and reduced local light pollution by 25 percent. In the park, you can hike to three mountain summits and explore diverse forest ecosystems. In Alberta, Jasper National Park is designated a Dark Sky Preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, one of 17 in the country. The town is actually within the preserve's limits. Every October the Jasper Dark Sky Festival takes place, and features a planetarium and telescope viewing, Indigenous music and storytelling, and guided night hikes. The night sky viewing program at Kitt Peak National Observatory. Photograph by Greg Dale, Nat Geo Image Collection The Milky Way over the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona. Photograph by Babak Tafreshi, Nat Geo Image Collection More easily accessed starry skies Lately, both urban and rural areas are darkening their skies to boost astrotourism. New Brunswick offers 'easy access to dark skies,' says Stéphane Picard of Cliff Valley Astronomy. 'Even in our cities, you're no more than 15 minutes away from a very dark sky.' The province has three dark-sky preserves designated by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, including Fundy National Park, known for the highest tides in the world. Other parks and towns are applying for designations to create a coastal stargazing corridor. 'When you're looking towards the Bay of Fundy from the New Brunswick coast, you're facing the southern half of the sky which is where mostly everything arises,' says Picard. 'We call that the rising tides and rising stars region.' The province hosts star parties with telescopes throughout the year. Several jurisdictions have designed stargazing trails, including Tucson's Astro Trail with 11 dark sky experiences and Montana's Trail to the Stars with 45 recommended sites. With 12 Dark Sky Parks and another dozen working toward certification, Colorado has a self-guided 'Experience the Night' itinerary, chock full of daytime activities and night-gazing sites, including Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Mexico's first urban night sky place, Joya-La Barreta Ecological Park, between Querétaro and San Miguel de Allende, focuses on educating the public about the value of darkness. (Why Tucson is one of the best places in the world to see the night sky) East Coast residents seeking closer options can head to Pennsylvania's Cherry Springs State Park, which is within the larger Susquehannock State Forest and has laser-guided night sky tours. West Virginia's Watoga State Park's name derives from the Cherokee name for 'starry waters,' and travelers may spy abundant constellations here. As stargazing gains in popularity, DarkSky International has developed its principles of responsible astrotourism, which emphasizes respect for local cultures and environmental health, along with sustainable growth. Hartley hopes that immersive dark sky experiences will inspire people to 'make some simple steps in and around your house and your neighborhood and your city to reclaim a little natural darkness.' (Big Sky, brighter stars: Why Montana is 2025's ultimate stargazing destination) Amy Brecount White is a Virginia-based writer with work seen in National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, National Parks Traveler, Sierra Magazine, and more. She focuses on travel, particularly immersive outdoor adventures and moments full of wonder. See more at -
Scientific American
30-04-2025
- Science
- Scientific American
Giant, Glowing Gas Cloud Discovered Just 300 Light-Years Away
The surprise discovery of a huge cloud of molecular gas — the stuff that forms stars — just 300 light-years away is opening up new ways to study the conditions that enable star birth. Stars form from collapsing clouds of molecular gas. We see this in the likes of the Orion Nebula, which gets energized by hot ultraviolet radiation of the young stars born within. However, finding molecular clouds before they begin producing stars is more difficult. Such clouds are predominantly made from molecular hydrogen gas, which, when it isn't being energized by starlight, is very faint — almost invisible. (Atomic hydrogen, on the other hand, is easily detectable by radio telescopes). Astronomers usually use radio telescopes to detect carbon monoxide, which is available in much lower quantities in molecular clouds, as a proxy. On supporting science journalism If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. But what about the clouds without much carbon monoxide? Astronomers led by Blakesley Burkhart of Rutgers University–New Brunswick in New Jersey and Thavisha Dharmawardena of New York University, have pioneered an entirely new way of seeing the invisible. Using far-ultraviolet data from the Korean STSAT-1 satellite, they directly detected molecules of hydrogen fluorescing. "This is the first-ever molecular cloud discovered by looking for far-ultraviolet emission of molecular hydrogen directly," Burkhart said in a statement. "This cloud is literally glowing in the dark." The cloud is roughly crescent-shaped and sits on the edge of the Local Bubble, which is a volume of space where the interstellar medium is more rarefied than its surroundings, perhaps having been emptied by the shockwaves of hundreds of ancient supernovas. The sun and our solar system are passing through the Local Bubble, and have been doing so for the past five million years or so. The cloud, named Eos after the goddess of Greek mythology who signified the dawn, contains approximately 3,400 solar masses worth of gas. It's also depleted in carbon monoxide, which is why it had gone undetected by conventional means. Eos is predicted to disperse, or photodissociate, as a result of background photons impacting the cloud's molecules, in about 5.7 million years' time. This is too soon for it to begin forming stars, unless there is some other trigger that advances things, such as the gravitational disturbance of another passing cloud. Intriguingly, the average star-formation rate in our sun's neighborhood has been calculated at 200 solar masses per million years. Eos is losing mass to the wider interstellar medium at a rate of 600 solar masses per million years, three times the rate at which molecular gas is converted into stars. Therefore, this dispersion of molecular clouds as a result of photodissociation from light emitted by nearby stars seems to act as a feedback mechanism to regulate the rate of star formation, Burkhart's team believes. This is useful information for telling us more about the conditions needed to enable star formation in other, more distant clouds. "When we look through our telescopes, we catch whole solar systems in the act of forming, but we don't know in detail how that happens," said Burkhart. "Our discovery of Eos is exciting because we can now directly measure how molecular clouds are forming and dissociating, and how a galaxy begins to transform interstellar gas and dust into stars and planets." And the discovery of other, similar clouds could be just on the horizon. "The use of the far-ultraviolet fluorescence emission technique could rewrite our understanding of the interstellar medium, uncovering hidden clouds across the galaxy and even out to the furthest detectable limits of cosmic dawn," said Dharmawardena. Eos may not see the dawn of new stars, but its existence is testament to a greater dawn, going all the way back to near the beginning of the universe, in which stars have brought daylight to a dark cosmos. The findings were published on April 28 in the journal Nature Astronomy.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists find giant, hidden gas cloud only 300 light-years away: 'This cloud is literally glowing in the dark'
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The surprise discovery of a huge cloud of molecular gas — the stuff that forms stars — just 300 light-years away is opening up new ways to study the conditions that enable star birth. Stars form from collapsing clouds of molecular gas. We see this in the likes of the Orion Nebula, which gets energized by hot ultraviolet radiation of the young stars born within. However, finding molecular clouds before they begin producing stars is more difficult. Such clouds are predominantly made from molecular hydrogen gas, which, when it isn't being energized by starlight, is very faint — almost invisible. (Atomic hydrogen, on the other hand, is easily detectable by radio telescopes). Astronomers usually use radio telescopes to detect carbon monoxide, which is available in much lower quantities in molecular clouds, as a proxy. But what about the clouds without much carbon monoxide? Astronomers led by Blakesley Burkhart of Rutgers University–New Brunswick in New Jersey and Thavisha Dharmawardena of New York University, have pioneered an entirely new way of seeing the invisible. Using far-ultraviolet data from the Korean STSAT-1 satellite, they directly detected molecules of hydrogen fluorescing. "This is the first-ever molecular cloud discovered by looking for far-ultraviolet emission of molecular hydrogen directly," Burkhart said in a statement. "This cloud is literally glowing in the dark." The cloud is roughly crescent-shaped and sits on the edge of the Local Bubble, which is a volume of space where the interstellar medium is more rarefied than its surroundings, perhaps having been emptied by the shockwaves of hundreds of ancient supernovas. The sun and our solar system are passing through the Local Bubble, and have been doing so for the past five million years or so. The cloud, named Eos after the goddess of Greek mythology who signified the dawn, contains approximately 3,400 solar masses worth of gas. It's also depleted in carbon monoxide, which is why it had gone undetected by conventional means. Eos is predicted to disperse, or photodissociate, as a result of background photons impacting the cloud's molecules, in about 5.7 million years' time. This is too soon for it to begin forming stars, unless there is some other trigger that advances things, such as the gravitational disturbance of another passing cloud. Intriguingly, the average star-formation rate in our sun's neighborhood has been calculated at 200 solar masses per million years. Eos is losing mass to the wider interstellar medium at a rate of 600 solar masses per million years, three times the rate at which molecular gas is converted into stars. Therefore, this dispersion of molecular clouds as a result of photodissociation from light emitted by nearby stars seems to act as a feedback mechanism to regulate the rate of star formation, Burkhart's team believes. This is useful information for telling us more about the conditions needed to enable star formation in other, more distant clouds. "When we look through our telescopes, we catch whole solar systems in the act of forming, but we don't know in detail how that happens," said Burkhart. "Our discovery of Eos is exciting because we can now directly measure how molecular clouds are forming and dissociating, and how a galaxy begins to transform interstellar gas and dust into stars and planets." Related Stories: — 3D map reveals our solar system's local bubble has an 'escape tunnel' — Scientists discover super-Earth exoplanets are more common in the universe than we thought — The sun might be spitting out particles that create water on the moon And the discovery of other, similar clouds could be just on the horizon. "The use of the far-ultraviolet fluorescence emission technique could rewrite our understanding of the interstellar medium, uncovering hidden clouds across the galaxy and even out to the furthest detectable limits of cosmic dawn," said Dharmawardena. Eos may not see the dawn of new stars, but its existence is testament to a greater dawn, going all the way back to near the beginning of the universe, in which stars have brought daylight to a dark cosmos. The findings were published on April 28 in the journal Nature Astronomy.
The Independent
16-04-2025
- The Independent
The best places to see northern lights in the UK
For the best chance of watching the spectacular northern lights, many head to areas around the Arctic, such as Norway, Finland and Sweden. But as the world experiences heightened solar activity, there are many incredible spots around the UK to get a glimpse of the dancing lights. According to experts, the sun has now entered its period of greatest activity, which means Brits could be seeing more colourful displays of the aurora borealis until the middle of next year. The current peak is expected to until mid-2025, according to the Royal Astronomical Society. Our home star typically follows an 11-year-cycle, with periods of intense activity followed by a quiet phase. During its active bursts, also known as solar maximum, the sun releases charged particles that travel through space at speeds of around one million miles per hour. Some of the particles are captured by the Earth's magnetic field and collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms and molecules in the atmosphere. These atoms and molecules then shed the energy they gained from the collision, emitting light at various wavelengths to create colourful displays in the night sky. Whether you're fascinated by the science or guided by its sheer beauty, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the wonders of the northern lights in the UK. Cairngorms National Park, Scotland 'The incredibly dark skies of the Cairngorms – largely free from the polluting glow of street and security lights – means it's one of the few places in the UK where with just your eyes, you can witness some amazing treats,' says astronomer Paul Haworth. Home to rugged dramatic landscapes, Tomintoul and Glenlivet offer exceptional experiences for stargazers which is recognised by its International Dark Sky status. Where to stay What's more of an immersion into the natural surroundings than a stay in a log cabin? Nestled in the Cairngorm National Park, Wigwam Holidays' cabins offer an ideal springboard from which to explore the area, while their fire pits are an enticing way to watch the northern lights from your cabin deck in comfort. Outer Hebrides, Scotland A lack of light pollution makes it possible to see the Mirrie Dancers in action above islands like North Uist and Lewis if weather permits. But that's not all; the Orion Nebula, Milky Way and the Andromeda galaxy can all be spotted with the naked eye. As winter draws in, days shrink giving more opportunities to study our universe. For expert tips, head to the Hebridean Dark Skies Festival on Lewis and Harris which hopes to return this year, featuring stargazing talks alongside theatre, live music and visual art performances. Where to stay Looking out over Stornoway Harbour, book a suite at Lews Castle for a chance to stay in the turrets of a renovated Gothic Revival-style castle. The storied building has housed nobility, those injured in the Second World War and students, but today it offers a luxury stay with glorious views over Stornoway. Ullapool, Ross-shire, Scotland This former fishing village in a remote corner of the Western Highlands is a superb setting for northern lights photography. Snow-dusted peaks surround the area, sloping into red and ochre moorlands and a glittering blue sea. Little light pollution allows stars to shine brightly, while bars and restaurants open year-round provide plenty of places to warm up. Where to stay Choose from three rooms at The Dipping Lugger, each with marvellous views over Loch Broom. Mentioned by Michelin, the hotel's restaurant flaunts the best of local produce, often including fresh seafood from Ullapool. County Antrim, Northern Ireland Witnessing the northern lights is memorable – but seeing it light up the ruins of a medieval castle is unforgettable. Photographers frequently flock to Dunluce Castle on the Antrim Coast, where displays have been impressive in the past couple of years. Visit Facebook group North Coast Aurora Watch for updates on when the lights will be at the peak. Where to stay Right on the seafront, The Marine Hotel in Ballycastle is a 30-minute drive away from Dunluce Castle. With frequent offers on rooms and family suites, the hotel offers a budget-friendly way to explore the seaside town and the rest of the dramatic coast.
