Thorington Street Dark Sky Discovery Centre opened at the Studio opposite Thorington Hall on Monday 19th August.

Welcomed by a meteor shower and a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis, residents and amateur astronomers viewed the sensational display from the garden of the new Centre.  

Led by professional astronomers and a local grass roots committee, the DarkSky Campaign has created a hub for the hamlet of Thorington Street and an exciting place for astronomy talks, star gazing and astrophotography.  

The Centre, owned by the National Trust,  has meeting rooms, parking and a dark garden shielded from car lights by high walls.

Leigh Freeman, National Trust General Manager Essex and Suffolk Countryside said:

“Dark skies are often an overlooked part of our natural world.  The night sky has inspired science, religion, philosophy, art and literature that has created our heritage today.”   

Working in partnership with the Dedham Vale National Landscape, the Campaign promotes astro tourism helping businesses such as hotels and restaurants to attract visitors to the area to witness our dark night skies in winter.

The Campaign aims to make Thorington Street a DarkSky Community recognised by DarkSky International, the US based charity organising and coordinating anti light pollution projects around the globe.

To find out more about forthcoming events and the DarkSky Campaign email dedhamvaleastronomy@gmail.com.