'Dark Sky' status for Beacons
The Brecon Beacons National Park has become the fifth location in the world - and the first in Wales - to be granted International Dark Sky Reserve status, which protects the quality of star-gazing in the area.
Brecon Beacons wins bid to protect its skies
Brecon Beacons National Park has been granted 'Dark Sky Reserve' status, which grants it special protection for stargazing in the area.
In order to achieve the special status, local astronomers conducted a survey assessing levels of light pollution in the area, and sent information to residents living in the area to help them understand simple ways they could reduce light pollution.
Local communities supported the bid, with residents in Talybont-on-Usk holding their own Star Party and organising a community light switch off.
There are only four other areas in the world that hold 'Dark Sky Reserve' status:
- Mont Megantic – Quebec, Canada
- Exmoor National Park – Devon and Somerset Counties, England
- Aoraki Mackenzie – New Zealand
- NambiRand Nature Reserve – Namibia
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