Night Sky "Astro" Tours and Special Events
Although the UK is not famed for its cooperative weather, when we do get clear night skies the Cotswolds offers some of the darkest conditions in this part of the UK and is ideal for those who like to gaze upwards and ponder the mysteries of the night sky or try their hand at capturing images of the heavens. As with all our tours, the astrophotography tours are fully tailored to your preferences. Here's some examples of the types of night tours and events we offer:
2. Night walking tours ("night hikes") - how about exploring the Cotswold countryside in the dark?! Look for nocturnal creatures, capture images of Moonlit landscapes or the winter Milky Way through the trees or arching above the Cotswold landscape.
3. Astrophotography sessions - head out to a dark Cotswolds site and learn how to capture images of the sky that are unobtainable from an urban area
4. Astronomy observing sessions - spend an evening observing the sky using binoculars and a small telescope out in the Cotswold landscape. Identify constellations, view the Moon and planets, learn more about the things you are seeing and why 42 actually isn't the answer to life, the universe and everything........
Now, here's a few questions you may be asking yourself about doing an astronomy event or night tour with us (in no particular order):
1. Do I really want to stand outside in the pitch dark on a cold (winter) night looking at the sky?
Answer: probably not, especially if you've not done such a thing before. But, trust me, once you've done it you will wonder why you've gone all these years having not! Sadly, opportunities for experiencing dark night skies are becoming fewer and fewer, year on year. Perhaps if more people actually experienced this "oneness with all nature" then greater progress could be made in saving the night sky for everyone to enjoy in the future. So, even if you don't take pictures, just being present under a dark, clear sky, is a fantastic experience. It promotes three key elements of human existence that the modern world no longer provides: curiosity, wonder and imagination.
2. Are there dangerous wild animals, vampires, ghosts or crazy axe-wielding wild-men running amok around the Cotswolds at night?Answer: No. We may get "spooked" by the odd fox, deer or badger rustling in the hedges but that's about it.
3. How will I know if it will be a clear sky on the night of my tour / event?Answer: you won't. The UK weather is notoriously unpredictable for the most part. If you know a little about meteorology you might be able to make a "best guess" selection for the date of your astro event but even that will still be quite a long shot. If the conditions are not clear on your booked astro night, we offer options: change your event to a drive-based village night tour; reschedule for a different night (if possible for you and us); get a full refund of your deposit (only a deposit needs to be paid until 24 hours before your event).
4. When is the best time to choose for an astrophotography session?Answer: this is a good question! It depends on what you want to experience. If you want to see, or photograph, a dark night sky to identify star patterns (constellations) and see a few galaxies, for example, then you need to pick dates when the Moon will not be present in the evening sky. On the other hand if you wish to see or photograph the Moon then - guess what - you need to make sure that the Moon will be visible in the evening. This is easy enough to determine but for your convenience please see our guide to "dark sky" and "Moonlit" sky dates HERE
5. What experience do I need to do one of your astrophotography events?Answer: None. Our astrophotography sessions cater for those with no experience, some experience or more experienced amateur astronomers, so it will not be an issue if you have never pointed your camera at the night sky before.
6. What equipment do I need?Answer: for visual observation sessions, nothing (well, you will need eyes). For photography sessions, a camera with a long exposure function will be needed (which is pretty much every camera in existence these days). If you have binoculars and / or a tripod, bonus. If you do not, we can provide binoculars and a camera tripod. We also have a small refracting telescope for viewing the Moon and planets in more detail and for more advanced amateurs we have a Sky Watcher "Star Adventurer" tracking mount that can be used to obtain longer exposure images without the stars appearing trailed.
7. What else will I need for a night tour or astrophotography session?Answer: warm clothing is the most essential thing - nothing worse than standing around shivering! Lots of layers are better than a single thick jumper or coat. You may also want to bring some snacks and a vacuum flask but we will usually be able to provide some hot drinks during the evening.
8. How long are the night photography events?Answer: any length you wish (within reason.......) but typically between 1 and 4 hours. As our tours and events are personalised, we will have tailored the event to suit your requirements and "endurance" levels.
9. What time do you run these night sessions?Answer: the start time will depend on the time of year but basically we aim to run our astro sessions and night tours in the early to mid evenings - between about 18.00 up to 23.00.
10. What's the cost?Answer: this will depend on the type of tour / event you would like and how long you wish to spend on it. The minimum time for an astronomy session is 2 hours; the minimum for a night drive tour is around 4 hours; a night walk tour requires about 3 hours as a minimum.
As a guide, a 4 hour night village drive tour is around £275 and a 3 hour astrophotography session around £240. Drive tours are limited to a maximum of 3 people; astrophotography sessions are also capped at 3 people unless you have your own transport and can meet us on location in which case we limit groups to 6 people.