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Dark sky spots · Scotland
Dark skies in Orkney
North Ronaldsay is a designated Dark Sky Community, and aurora is common in winter.
North Ronaldsay
International Dark Sky Community, designated by DarkSky International in 2021. The most northerly island of Orkney, with a tiny community and very dark skies.
In winter the long nights and northern latitude make aurora a regular sight. More details: https://darksky.org/places/north-ronaldsay/
When to go
- September to March gives long, dark nights; in June the sky never gets fully dark across much of the UK.
- Go near the new moon: see our moon calendar.
- Time a visit for a meteor shower, such as the Perseids in August or Geminids in December.
What to bring
- Warm layers, a hat and a flask: it is colder than you think on open ground.
- A red torch to keep your night vision.
- Binoculars: 10×50s show the Moon's craters and Jupiter's moons.
- A sky map app set to red night mode.
Be a good visitor
Park only in proper car parks, keep to paths, close gates and take your litter home. Many sites are working farmland or nature reserves.
Nearby local guides
Our local guides for Orkney list more sacred sites, shops and dark-sky spots.
Questions answered
Where is the darkest sky in Orkney?
North Ronaldsay, an International Dark Sky Community.
When is the best time to stargaze in Orkney?
Clear, moonless nights from autumn to early spring.
Can I see the Milky Way in Orkney?
Yes, from North Ronaldsay on clear moonless nights, best from late summer to autumn.
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