Sheffield ranked second best UK city to stargaze
The Steel City has less light pollution than other UK cities.
Last updated 4th Mar 2021
What is more mesmerising than looking up at the nights sky, taking in a deep breath and gazing at the twinkling stars above? Stargazing could be a new form of entertainment especially for those that live in Sheffield.
Yes, that's right, the Steel City has been voted number two in the best UK cities to stargaze!
What is Sheffield's Light Pollution Level?
A recent study from Parkdean Resorts has revealed that the South Yorkshire city has very little light pollution compared to other cities, sitting at 59.74 (Radiance 109 W/cm² * sr). Resulting in the galaxies far, far away not having to fight so much for the spotlight against the bright lights.
How far is Sheffield above sea level?
Sheffield is elevated 88 metres above sea level, giving the Steel City an advantage to seeing the stars.
Which other cities made the list?
By studying the light pollution levels of each major UK city, Parkdean Resorts has identified the best and worst cities to see the night sky.
Bristol sits at the top of the list, Sheffield proudly takes second place and Glasgow follows our glorious city in third position.
Sadly, those in the UK's capital may struggle to stargaze, London has the highest level of light pollution recorded in any UK city. Shockingly, London’s light pollution levels were almost three times worse than those recorded in Bristol.
But not all hope is lost, as National Trust have released a list of nearby locations perfect for stargazing once we’re able to travel further afield for any Londoners hoping to escape the bright lights of the city.
Just above London in the list, unfortunately Leeds just a stones throw away sits in the bottom three alongside Birmingham. Leeds and Birmingham also had the highest population out of all the other cities in the study, which could be why they scored so highly for light pollution levels, as one cause of light pollution is overpopulation.
Tips for stargazing in the city
Parkdean Resorts who conducted the study recommend the following for you to get the most out of stargazing:
1. Get up high!
The further up you are, the better your chance of a clear night sky to see the stars. Take a hike and explore your surroundings to find the perfect stargazing spot! Sheffield is elevated 88 metres above sea level, so take a wander and see where you get to, but be careful!
2. Turn off the lights
For those stargazing from the comfort of their homes, turning off your lights indoors can improve the visibility of the night sky, so long as you’re not afraid of the dark!
3. Choose a night with clear skies
It’s best to plan ahead and choose a night for stargazing when clear skies are expected. Not only that, but you can plan your stargazing adventures for special celestial events. Most recently, on the morning of February 27th, the UK witnessed a Snow Moon! The first full moon in February, named after the snow on the ground, brings a new sense of living as it represents the end of hibernation and the beginning of spring.
4. Research what you're looking for
To get the most out of your stargazing activities, why not research exactly what you’re looking for? Map out constellations and create your own wacky designs, or enhance your stargazing experience and download Star Chart free on AR enabled Apple or Android phones. Star Chart allows you to point your camera at the night sky and tells you exactly what you’re looking at.
5. Use timeanddate.com for the best chance of spotting the planets
Timeanddate.com allows you to input your location before generating information about when you’re most likely to be able to spot the planets. With lots of helpful information about what's in our universe, this is a great way to educate your family about the wonders of space.
So there you have it! Our wonderful city of Sheffield is the second-best place in the country to gaze in awe at the sky above. Get out there and see what you find!
You can visit Parkdean Resorts for more information on the study on their website.
Some of the best South Yorkshire sayings:
‘Blackpool illuminations’
This one is sure to come from your Dad or Grandad, too. When he thinks there's too many lights on in the house you'll hear "It's like bloody Blackpool illuminations in 'ere! Turn them lights off!" and he'll claim he also pays the 'leccy (electricity) bill so gets final say on what lights are on around the house.
‘Put wood in t’ole’
Meaning to shut the door, this is usually followed by "you're lettin' cold in!"
‘Spuggy’
Meaning the little bird found in your garden, the sparrow, spuggy is used regularly when gazing out of your kitchen window. Sometimes you'll hear, "oh no, the cat's got a spuggy again!"
‘T’werk’
Not to be confused with the fast booty shaking, 't'werk' is in fact where South Yorkshire people tend to go from 9-5, yes it means to 'go to work'.
Breadcake/teacake
We couldn't not include this in our list. Mention the 'breadcake, bap cob' debate to anyone and you're guaranteed to start an argument across the country.
‘Tha meks a better door than a window!’
When you're trying to watch the TV on Christmas day and someone's faffing (messing) about in front of you, someone will shout "tha meks a better door than a window!' meaning that you 'can't see what's going on because you're in the way'.
‘Arse end a nowhere’
You're driving in the car and Mum's giving directions to Dad on a map that's older than you, most likely printed in 1975. You can see your Dad getting more annoyed followed by "God sake! We're in arse end a nowhere ere!" meaning that you're now lost.
‘Bagsy’
Once the word is mentioned there's no going back, this is now stronger than a legal agreement. You've now claimed something for yourself. An example would be "BAGSY THE FRONT SEAT" followed by a mad dash to the car.
‘Be reyt’
No matter what has gone wrong, someone will say 'dunt matter, they'll be reyt'. Meaning they'll 'be OK'.
‘Croggy’
This one's fallen out of use a little, but still an iconic phrase. Meaning to get a lift on someone's handle bars of a bike, it's usually used with 'Give us a lift on your croggy and I'll buy you some sweets from t'shop'.
‘Dollop’
This usually means a lump of something, in most cases a lump of food. "Give us another dollop of mash wimme pie will ya".
‘Ey up’
Meaning to 'watch out' or 'be careful', this phrase can also mean 'hello'.
‘Can’t see wood for trees’
When something is so obvious and right in front of you, but you just can't see it.
‘Mardy bum’
Made more popular by Sheffield's own the Arctic Monkeys, mardy bum is used to describe someone who is sulking or moaning. If someone says this to you, you'd better slap a smile on your face sharpish. This is also the only phrase non-Yorkshire people can say properly because they've sang it that many times.
‘Lug ‘oil’
Don't worry, if you hear someone chatting about their 'lug 'oil', they haven't lost their mind. This phrase actually means 'ear'. As strange as it might sound, anyone from South Yorkshire would think nothing of referring to their ear as this.
‘Leking’
Travel anywhere in South Yorkshire and you'll actually hear this word in different contexts. Head over to Barnsley and 'leking' means to play out. But if you head down to Rotherham 'leking' is used for someone who's bunked off work or pulled a sicky.
‘In a bit’
'Meaning goodbye' or 'see you later', this is a typical phrased used by someone from the region.
‘Tin tin tin’
People from outside the region just can't seem to understand this phrase. Meaning 'it isn't in the tin'. Unfortunately, this isn't used very often but when it does it's usually said really fast to prove no Southerners can say it properly.
‘Put the big light on’
As the day draws to an end, your living room will start to get darker. This is when the phrase "PUT BIG LIGHT ON" will echo from your Dad's mouth, meaning the main light in the sitting room needs turning on.