Forget Retreats, Astronomer Reveals Why Your Back Garden Is An Underrated Stargazing Spot

Author and astronomer Dr Sheila Kanani MBE has travelled the world stargazing, from aurora-hunting in Iceland to studying Saturn in Australia.

But, she reveals to Country Living that she had her favourite stargazing experience in her back garden, in the North West of England.

“Last May, everyone’s social feeds were full of stunning pictures of aurora. I went into the garden and laid on my back on the grass for four hours, watching the sky full of vivid pink and purple aurora,” she recounts. “It was amazing.”

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Through her bestselling books and workshops, Dr Kanani is passionate about sharing the wonders of space with as many people as possible. So we picked her brains for expert tips on the best places to appreciate astronomical events, whether you live in the town or the countryside.

Although cities have brighter skies due to light pollution, Dr Kanani says you can still track the moon from here, and in recent years people have even spotted aurora borealis from London.

“I always advise people to start stargazing with the moon,” says Dr Kanani. “Look at it over the course of a month and note its different phases. You could even try drawing its landscape.”

Outside the city, Dr Kanani recommends seeking out higher ground wherever possible. “Look for places higher up with a relatively clear horizon,” she explains. “Stars appear to move through the night sky, so a clearer horizon means more chance of being able to see something for longer.”

It goes without saying that the darker the sky is, the more you’ll be able to spot. “The best spots to stargaze are the UK’s designated Dark Sky sites,” says Dr Kanani – these sites span the country, from the South Downs to Northumberland, and are home to some of the UK’s darkest skies.

a tranquil night scene on the south coast of dorset. in the picture you can see man o war bay. the picture was taken from the east side of the bay. you can see star and a meteor streaking across the sky. MattStansfield

Coastal areas offer darker skies that are ideal for stargazing

“The coast is also a great place to star gaze,” she advises. “There’s less light pollution here.

“I live near the North West coast and have spotted everything, from the northern lights to Risa planetary parade, a recent astronomical event where multiple planets aligned, from there.”

Wherever you live, the longer nights offer the perfect opportunity to get outside and look skyward to spot autumn’s celestial events – and you may be surprised at what you gain.

“Through my workshops with everyone from Girl Guides to prison inmates, I’ve seen how appreciating space can boost people’s self-confidence, mental health and wellbeing,” says Dr Kanani.

“We all live in space, and the sky is accessible to everyone. You don’t need any special equipment to marvel at a full moon, meteor shower or aurora.”

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Cara is Commissioning Editor at Country Living, covering everything from style and interiors to sustainability, artisans and the great outdoors. She has previously worked for Good Housekeeping, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Prima and Red, and has an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University and a BA in Music from the University of Oxford. Follow Cara on Instagram @caralaskaris or Linkedin.