A number of local astronomy groups attended the event including the Tiverton and Mid Devon Astronomy Society, the North Devon Astronomy Society, the Crewkerne Astronomy Society, Norman Lockyer Observatory, Paul Jeanes from the West Somerset Observatory,
Dave Chalton from the Dark Sky Discovery project, Dulverton Youth Group and Mosaic Champions from Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth, Honiton and Torpoint. There were also telescopes available for people to see the wonders of the night sky for themselves and the mobile planetarium was very popular, running shows every 30 minutes. Although the weather started a little overcast with the odd light shower, by 8pm the skies were clear and ideal for stargazing.
The highlight of the evening for many was to see Jupiter very clearly with its moons.

Tim Ashberry, Exmoor Area Manager of South West Lakes Trust received Wimbleball's Dark Skies Discovery Site certificate from Dave Chalton of the Dark Sky Discovery project. Tim Ashberry said "It was really exciting to see so many people enjoy the evening at Wimbleball. I hope that this is the first of many such events."

Exmoor National Park has been designated an International Dark Sky Reserve, the first place in Europe to achieve this prestigious award and only the second in the world. Emma Dennis, Landscape Officer at Exmoor National Park says: "The Dark Sky Discovery project gives us a great opportunity to involve communities in and around the National Park in promoting our award winning dark skies as well as the conservation of the resource for the benefit to local people and visitors alike."

Wimbleball Lake is a fantastic location for stargazing within the Exmoor National Park International Dark Sky Reserve. Individual or group activities can take place with level hard surfaced areas for setting up your telescope that overlook the scenic lakeside with clear big sky views far from any light pollution. South West Lakes Trust is planning to hold a Star Camp in March 2012. Please contact Wimbleball on 01398 371460 or wimbleball@swlakestrust.org.uk for more information.

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