Rathlin's Dark Skies
All across our planet, light pollution is increasing. Luckily, Rathlin has very low levels of light pollution, making it a very special place for visitors to experience the darkest of skies, allowing the stars and planets to shine as they should.
From Rathlin you will be able to see as many as 2000 stars on a clear, moonless night along with other wonders such as the Milky Way, planets, meteors and satellites! Almost the whole island is good enough for a dark skies experience. At certain times when the conditions are right you could be lucky enough to catch sight of the Aurora Borealis / Northern Lights. With Binoculars or a telescope, you can observe the night sky in much more detail.
The natural darkness of Rathlin Island is important for nocturnal wildlife. Using silence and stealth and a red torchlight, you can become a nature detective at night, but please tread softly so as not to disturb the natural world after dark.
Invertebrates
Light pollution is a major contributor to insect decline. Moths, attracted by light sources, are drawn away from their important role in pollinating plants as they confuse the light pollution with moonlight.
Great diving beetles are thought to navigate to new wetland habitats using the reflection of moonlight on the water’s surface, but are often misdirected by street lights shining on hard surfaces.
Birds
Birds are very sensitive to the blue light often found in LED lighting, which disrupts the timing of birdsong, breeding and feeding behaviours. Light pollution also disorientates migratory birds who use the stars to navigate, leaving many juveniles stranded and vulnerable to predation.
Birds affected in Ireland include:
Urban Blackbird, Manx Shearwater, Corncrake, Swift, Curlew, Brent Geese, White-Fronted Geese.
Six top tips for stargazing
ONE
Find a dark place that is safe and accessible. Stargazing is best under the darkest night sky you can find.
TWO
Let your eyes adjust to the darkness for around 10 to 20 minutes. Once you have your night vision don’t spoil it by looking at white light.
THREE
Use a torch with a red light rather than white, you can tape red cellophane to cover a torch light.
FOUR
Use binoculars to get a closer look. Binoculars with 10 x 50 magnification are best. You will be able to see galaxies, star clusters and colourful double stars.
FIVE
Download a stargazing app on your phone. This will help you find your way around the night sky, but make sure you use the dark mode setting to protect your night vision.
SIX
Wrap up warm, bring a hot drink and sit back and enjoy the show above.
Light Pollution
The inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light at night.
Light pollution is harmful to the environment and our cultural heritage:
- It is a waste of energy and carbon emissions, contributing to climate change.
- It disrupts the biological clocks of all living things, interfering with ecosystems and impacting human health and well-being.
- It inhibits the observation of stars, planets, and other celestial objects, ruining access to our global ancestral commons.
How we can help:
- Shield your lights to direct light downwards only.
- Use timer controls to switch lights off when not needed.
- Direct light to illuminate the area intended only.
- Choose warm toned light and avoid bright white (LEDs under 2,700k are best).
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