Sebastian Jay explores the wonders of this night-time world above our heads from some of the darkest places around Exmoor's International Dark Sky Reserve.

Witnessing the sweep of the Milky Way, the remains of comets burning up in our atmosphere, or the shimmering aurora, we better understand the universe and our place in it. Lonely Planet's Dark Skies, the first world's guide to astrotourism, can help you experience all of this and more first-hand. Meticulously researched by dark sky expert Valerie Stimac, this comprehensive companion includes guides to 35 dark-sky sites and national parks, where to see the aurora, the next decade of total solar eclipses and how to view rocket launches, plus the lowdown on commercial space flight, observatories and meteor showers. Dark Skies is divided into sections to help you plan your dark sky tour: Stargazing focuses on the basics of appreciating the dark sky, with an overview on how to stargaze and what types of objects to look for, as well as tips for the urban stargazer. Dark Places is devoted to 35 of the best places around the globe for stargazing and experiencing the night sky, including sites designated by the Dark Sky Association. Astronomy in Action features some of the world's top research facilities and observatories,where you can get a closer look at space science. Meteor Showers has everything you need to know about the most consistent and impressive meteor showers that happen annually. Aurora is divided into two parts, one focusing on the aurora borealis in the northern hemisphere and the other on the aurora australis in the southern hemisphere. Eclipses follows the schedule of total solar eclipses over the next decade. If you've never experienced totality, here is your definitive guide to planning your trip. Launches helps you experience a different side of astrotourism: rocket launches and the countries that allow you to travel to see them. Space Tourism discusses the future of humans in space - including you! The major players in the evolving space tourism market are detailed, plus the world's most common destinations and experiences. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, on mobile, video and in 14 languages, 12 international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more. Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.

Dark Skies addresses a significant gap in knowledge in relation to perspectives from the arts, humanities, and social sciences. In providing a new multi- and interdisciplinary field of inquiry, this book brings together engagements with dark skies from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds, empirical studies, and theoretical orientations. Throughout history, the relationship with dark skies has generated a sense of wonder and awe, as well as providing the basis for important cultural meanings and spiritual beliefs. However, the connection to darks skies is now under threat due to the widespread growth of light pollution and the harmful impacts that this has upon humans, non-humans, and the planet we share. This book, therefore, examines the rich potential of dark skies and their relationships with place, communities, and practices to provide new insights and understandings on their importance for our world in an era of climate emergency and environmental degradation. This book is intended for a wide audience. It will be of interest to scholars, students, and professionals in geography, design, astronomy, anthropology, ecology, history, and public policy, as well as anyone who has an interest in how we can protect the night sky for the benefit of us all and the future generations to follow. The Open Access version of this book, available at www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.

Reach for the stars Stargazing is the practice of observing the night sky and its contents - from constellations through to planets and galaxies. Stars and other night sky objects can be seen with the naked eye, or seen in greater numbers and in more detail with binoculars or a telescope. Stargazing For Dummies offers you the chance to explore the night sky, providing a detailed guide to the main constellations and also offering advice on viewing other night sky objects such as planets and nebulae. It's a great introduction to a fun new hobby, and even provides a fun way to get the kids outside while doing something educational! Gives you an introduction to looking at the sky with binoculars or a telescope Offers advice on photographing the night sky Without needing to get your head around mind-bending theories, you can take part in some practical physics If you're looking for easy-to-follow guidance on getting to know the night sky, Stargazing For Dummies has you covered.

This new title in Bradt's distinctive series of Slow travel guides to regions of Britain is the only general guide to focus exclusively on Exmoor, covering all of the national park plus towns and villages just outside the boundary. Written by expert resident author Hilary Bradt, coast and moorland, hiking, wildlife and birdwatching are all covered, as are food and drink, historical background and culture both present and past, including Lorna Doone (and Doone country), Wordsworth and Shelley. Divided into ten regions and complete with 13 walks with maps, Bradt's Slow Travel Exmoor National Park also covers National Trust villages and nature reserves, little-known attractions such as private gardens, and the region's most interesting little churches. Exmoor is one of England's smallest but most beautiful national parks and is also particularly rich in festivals, both cultural, traditional - and frankly bizarre, including Hunting of the Earl of Rone in the village of Combe Martin and the Minehead Hobby Horse. The area is also increasingly recognised as a foodie destination and as a place for active holidays of all types. With its long coastline there are beaches for everyone, both sand and pebble, with wild swimming in the sea, rivers and reservoirs. This is also one of the most rewarding areas for walking in the West Country, combining stunning sections of the South West Coast Path with inland walks over heather-rich moorland and up river valleys. England's smallest church and largest number of wild red deer, and Britain's most distinctive native pony are all found here. Ideal for walkers, riders, foodies and lovers of beautiful scenery and wilderness, Bradt's Slow Travel Exmoor National Park is the essential companion for a successful trip regardless of age or budget.

Slow North Devon and Exmoor - Expert local tips and holiday advice featuring the best cream teas and pubs, cycling, walking and hiking routes and natural history. Also includes tips on sustainable tourism, local food and unusual accommodation, Exmoor National Park, wildlife and birdwatching, Barnstaple, Braunton, Ilfracombe and North Devon Coast.