Page updated: 8 Dec 2011
| The places described below are locations from which I observe frequently and/or which I believe are worth mentioning. Where available the highest SQM
value I ever measured is included. Click on a location's name for a link to Google Maps. |
| the Netherlands |
| MVC Berlicum, Vinkel N51°51'50" E005°27'48" GMT+1, maximum SQM value 20.30 |
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This location is home to a remote control aircraft club. I discovered the place unexpectedly during a round of cycling in the
summer of 2005. The site seemed so well suited that I returned with my telescope that very night. Nowadays we meet there, weather permitting, with
an observing group and an arsenal of telescopes under starry skies. Along with a relatively large field of grass there is a tiled section which makes
a good foundation to set up a telescope. The place even has a table and benches. Setting up on the asphalt road next to the location is another option. Several of the remote control aircraft club's members have taken the opportunity to take a look through our telescopes; some even pay regular visits! Go to www.mvcberlicum.ontheweb.nl to visit their website. A year ago we contacted the clubs administration to setup guidelines for the shared use of the terrain they are renting. As we are their guest and as we would like to keep using the site for quite some time we will continue the use of the site on a small scale. For Dutch standards the site is not too bad. Nearby cities such as 's-Hertogenbosch and Oss do create plenty of light pollution, but as this is to the west and north it is easy do deal with. Especially to the east and to the southwest conditions are much better. In the immediate surroundings there are no extremely annoying light sources. |
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 France |
| La Montagne N44°32'17" E005°56'10" GMT+1, maximum SQM value 21.71 |
| Southwest of Gap in the departement de Hautes-Alpes is the estate of La Montagne. The only light pollution comes from the city of Gap, 600 meters lower in the valley to the eastnortheast. This light is a minor hindrance only when skies are humid and when objects very low in the eastern sky (...) are observed. In the southsoutheast a mountain blocks the view up to about 20 degrees, in the south to ten degrees. The conditions, 1400 meters above sea level are fantastic. The apartments are complete and leave nothing to be desired. The large estate has plenty of places suited to set up a telescope to enjoy impressive all-nighters under the stars. Visit giteslamontagne.eu for further information. |
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South
Africa |
| Sutherland S32°24'32" E019°39'32" GMT+2, maximum SQM value 21.95 |
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This is dream for (amateur)astronomers, nothing less. No light pollution, at an altitude of 1500 meters, the dry air of the Karoo desert and the breathtaking southern skies. The Milky Way is full of detail and is visible from horizon to horizon. The starlight is bright enough to cast faint shadows. I visited this location on three occasions for several unforgettable nights of observing. The site is Jurg Wagener's Sterland Boerdery. There are three Celestron 11" CPC's in a permanent setup. Visit www.sutherlandinfo.co.za for further information on this site and the surroundings. |
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| Franschhoek S33°55'33" E019°07'36" GMT+2 |
| Apart from enjoying magnificent wine this is a nice location to enjoy the southern skies. For two nights I had the opportunity to setup a telescope next to a beautiful Victorian style house. In this area there are many places at which a house can be rented where you can conveniently set up your own equipment. There is very little light pollution. |
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