For the first time in 50,000 years the Green Comet is streaking across the Milky Way during February and you need to make for darkest night skies to make the most of this rarest of events.
The UK boasts some of the largest areas of dark sky in Europe, and Pembrokeshire is one of its best destinations to witness the star emblazoned Universe in all its glory.
January through to March is one of the best periods to observe, and because Pembrokeshire does not have a great deal of light pollution, visitors can view billions of stars on any given clear night.
See Venus and Mars on the western horizon at sunset and Jupiter shining in the eastern sky, and the Big Dipper and Orion, with this three-starred belt, glisten overhead.
The Milky Way stretches across the sky at Broadhaven South, just one of Pembrokeshire’s designated Dark Sky areas.
Stars light up the Pembrokeshire sky, above and top of page. Drew Buckley Photography
Located around a 30-minute drive from Broadhaven South, Bluestone national park resort provides the perfect spot. Three nights in a cabin-style woodland lodge, with an outdoor patio area, sleeping two is priced at £327. As the sun goes down, grab a blanket and get comfy on your own private patio and wonder as the stars light up.
The rugged coastline also provides some of the best dark sky opportunities. Pembrokeshire Coast Dark Skies has approved eight discovery sites which provide the best opportunities to view.
The Grade-2 listed Georgian Manor Town House in the charming seaside market town of Garn Fawr, Fishguard, one of the designated areas, has six stunning rooms starting from £125 per night. The pretty garden terrace commanding beautiful views across Fishguard Bay provides guests with a front seat to view the dramatic night sky.
Musselwick Farm, a 232-acre holding on the beautiful Marloes and St Brides peninsula, is a collection of restored cottages and farm buildings.
Pentre ifan is a popular attracti onPembrokeshire Image: Daniel Morris
An ideal base for a group of enthusiastic astronomers, or extended family looking for a winter break with a difference, Musselwick is just a short walk from Kete Martin’s Haven, Milford Haven – another Pembrokeshire destination rated for its top-notch stargazing.
The designated dark sky night sights which offer budding or seasoned astronomers an extensive selection of varied landscaped areas and accommodation options are
- Poppit Sands
- Shrinkle Haven and Broad Haven South (Pembroke)
- Kete and Martin’s Haven (Milford Haven)
- Garn Fawr (Fishguard)
- Sychpant (Preseli Hills)
- Newgale (near St Davids)
