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The Brecon Beacons National Park has become the fifth destination in the world to be granted the prestigious International Dark Sky Reserve status. This makes it Wales’ first International Dark Sky Reserve and the UK’s second Dark Sky Reserve after Exmoor National Park, which was given it’s status in 2011. The other 3 Dark Sky Reserves in the world are in Canada, New Zealand and Namibia. So now you don’t have to travel so far to enjoy, officially, some of the darkest skies in the UK and best views of our galactic neighbours. The accreditation is awarded by the International Dark-Sky Association, based in the USA. International Dark Sky Reserves are areas recognised as possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment specifically protected for scientific, natural, educational, cultural, heritage or public enjoyment. For more information about the award visit: Brecon Beacons National Park Authority [space height=”20″]

Best places to see the dark skies

[space height=”20″] [tab] [tab_item title=”Star gazing events”] The Cardiff Astronomical Society and Dark Sky Wales organisation hold regular star gazing events for you to enjoy the dark skies of Brecon Beacons. Experts will help you explore and navigate the skies as well as point out particular phenomena in the night sky. A list of the current events can be out here: Star Gazing Events news-brecon-beacons-5th-dark-sky-reserve-in-the-world-02 Photos & Video by Michael Sinclair [/tab_item] [tab_item title=”Top places to star gaze”] If you are going to visit the Brecon Beacons here are the top 5 places to star gaze, recommended by the National Park Authority: 1. Usk reservoir (OS 835285 N51.56.58 W03.41.55) 2. Crai reservoir (OS 886210 N51.54.52 W03.35.12) 3. Llanthony Priory (OS 288278 N51.56.41 W03.02.11) 4. Hay Bluff (OS 242361 N 52.01.43 W03.06.34) 5. Mountain Centre, National Park Visitor Centre (OS 878264 N51.56.02 W 03.28.40) For the Top 10 places to star gaze in the Brecon Beacons visit: Top 10 Star Gazing in Brecon Beacons [/tab_item] [/tab] [space height=”20″]