A new astronomical observatory is set to open this month at Danby Lodge National Park Centre, giving visitors a permanent, purpose-built base for stargazing and space science learning in the North York Moors.
The facility, known as the Dark Skies Station, is being launched by the North York Moors National Park Authority as the Park marks the start of the 2026 Dark Skies Festival. It represents a major step in widening public access to the National Park’s internationally recognised night skies.
The North York Moors was designated an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2020 in recognition of the exceptional quality of its starlit skies and the ongoing work to reduce light pollution for the benefit of wildlife, people and the landscape.
To celebrate the opening, the Dark Skies Station will host public drop-in sessions on Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15, from 11am to 4pm. Visitors will be able to explore the new facility and speak to those involved in bringing the project to life. On both days, one-hour talks titled ‘What’s Up in the Night Sky’ will take place at 11am and 2pm.
The sessions will be led by John McCue, founder member of the Cleveland and Darlington Astronomical Society, associate lecturer with the Open University and a member of the National Park Authority.
John said: “This observatory represents a significant step forward in how people can experience and understand the night sky above the North York Moors. It allows us to offer high-quality, inclusive observing experiences in a place where darkness is still something truly special.”
At the heart of the Dark Skies Station is a large, state-of-the-art telescope housed in a retractable-roof observatory, designed for both visual observation and astrophotography. Adjustable viewing positions mean it can be comfortably used by children, wheelchair users and visitors with a range of access needs.
The accessible timber building also includes a warm room for up to 30 people, providing space for talks, presentations and hands-on learning. A compact ‘smart’ telescope allows visitors to capture digital images of planets and deep-sky objects to download as a souvenir of their visit.
An interactive ‘Discover the Universe’ exhibition introduces key ideas in astronomy using tactile and audio-visual displays, while the surrounding outdoor space offers further opportunities for group observing under the open sky.
Sustainability has been central to the project’s design, with FSC-certified timber, recycled materials, solar panels and an air-source heat pump helping to power the building. Any surplus energy contributes to the wider Danby Lodge site.
The project has been funded through a combination of sources, including support from the Wolfson Foundation and a legacy donation that helped turn the vision into reality.
The Dark Skies Station will support a year-round programme of observing sessions, learning activities and community engagement, strengthening the North York Moors’ role as a leading destination for dark skies and science education.
The Dark Skies Festival runs from Friday, February 13 to Sunday, March 1, with events taking place across both the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. Full details are available at darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk
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