Dark skies

David, James and I were watching a programme about Northumberland presented by Robson Green, where he visited the Kielder Observatory. The astronomer mentioned that 85% of people in the UK never see a truly dark sky because of light pollution. We were discussing that we have been lucky enough to see many dark skies in the north of Scotland and in Orkney and Shetland. Davie then mentioned that when he as in the Lake District doing his Duke of Edinburgh Gold expedition he left his tent one night to go for a pee. Afterwards he happened to glance up at the sky and was amazed by the fantastic display of stars - he said that even though it was cold he stood there gazing heavenwards for at least ten minutes. I love that story.