Stargazing in the North York Moors: Spotting Comet C/2023 A3

The North York Moors is known for wide open views, quiet valleys and heather moorland — but it also has some of the clearest night skies in England. Its Dark Sky Reserve status means that autumn often brings excellent conditions for spotting celestial events, including Comet C/2023 A3, which is expected to be visible after sunset.

Comet C/2023 A3 is a visitor from the early solar system, carrying ice, dust and gas that have remained unchanged for billions of years. As it passes closer to the Sun, its tail becomes more pronounced, making it easier to spot in areas with low light pollution. On clear evenings, the North York Moors offers an ideal viewing location thanks to its elevation, open horizons and lack of urban glow.

While Large Outdoors no longer runs dedicated stargazing trips, many of our walking weekends in the North York Moors naturally include time outside after dark — especially in autumn and winter when nights draw in quickly. It means that walkers often get unexpected opportunities to enjoy the night sky, whether spotting constellations, catching a glimpse of the Milky Way, or watching seasonal events like meteor showers and bright comets.

If you’re joining us on a walking weekend and the forecast looks promising, it’s always worth stepping outside after dinner for a few minutes. Even a short wander near the accommodation can reveal crisp night skies that are difficult to find in most parts of the UK.

To explore our upcoming North York Moors trips, you can visit:
https://www.largeoutdoors.com/north-york-moors

Or browse all guided walking weekends and short breaks here:
https://www.largeoutdoors.com/trip-calendar

The below images were taking on the Edge of the North York Moors on the Monday 14 October 2024