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Europe's Dark Skies
Donegal is home to some of the darkest skies in Europe. Donegal
is also unique in that its northern and western skies are forever
protected from light pollution - nothing but the deep blue sea lies
beyond them. You too can enjoy Donegal's star filled skies. Donegal's
spectacular, wild and rugged coastline makes it an enchanting spot
to gaze in awe at the beauty of this vast and mysterious universe of
which we are part.
As recent stunning photographs attest, it is even possible to glimpse
the aurora borealis- the Northern Lights, from Donegal's spectacular
coastline. Astrophotographer Brendan Alexander explains that
chasing the Northern lights from Ireland is one of this favorite night
sky exploits. So how does he capture such stunning night sky images ?
“I monitor the space and terrestrial weather conditions online and if
a significant Aurora display in the offing, I pack up the car and head
to a dark and scenic site. It is hard to explain how I feel when I see the
Northern horizon began to glow and faint green and red hues are cast
across the northern sky. An excitement rises from within me, usually
followed by a sense of awe as I contemplate that power of nature and
the process that are playing out in front of my eyes and camera.”
You too may be able to enjoy such sublime visual splendor far from
the light pollution of cities , in Ireland's north as you travel the Wild
Atlantic Way!
For all your weather needs when in Donegal check out Donegal
Weather Channel on Facebook!
www.facebook.com/donegalweatherchannel
And to view Brendan's stunning images visit
www.donegalskies.com.
Photo courtesy Kenneth Mc Donagh at Donegal Weather Channel.
www.spaceweatherlive.com
Rossnowlagh Beach, Co. Donegal © Kenneth McDonagh
266
Donegal is home to some of the darkest skies in Europe. Donegal
is also unique in that its northern and western skies are forever
protected from light pollution - nothing but the deep blue sea lies
beyond them. You too can enjoy Donegal's star filled skies. Donegal's
spectacular, wild and rugged coastline makes it an enchanting spot
to gaze in awe at the beauty of this vast and mysterious universe of
which we are part.
As recent stunning photographs attest, it is even possible to glimpse
the aurora borealis- the Northern Lights, from Donegal's spectacular
coastline. Astrophotographer Brendan Alexander explains that
chasing the Northern lights from Ireland is one of this favorite night
sky exploits. So how does he capture such stunning night sky images ?
“I monitor the space and terrestrial weather conditions online and if
a significant Aurora display in the offing, I pack up the car and head
to a dark and scenic site. It is hard to explain how I feel when I see the
Northern horizon began to glow and faint green and red hues are cast
across the northern sky. An excitement rises from within me, usually
followed by a sense of awe as I contemplate that power of nature and
the process that are playing out in front of my eyes and camera.”
You too may be able to enjoy such sublime visual splendor far from
the light pollution of cities , in Ireland's north as you travel the Wild
Atlantic Way!
For all your weather needs when in Donegal check out Donegal
Weather Channel on Facebook!
www.facebook.com/donegalweatherchannel
And to view Brendan's stunning images visit
www.donegalskies.com.
Photo courtesy Kenneth Mc Donagh at Donegal Weather Channel.
www.spaceweatherlive.com
Rossnowlagh Beach, Co. Donegal © Kenneth McDonagh
266
