How can I see stars in the night sky in Manchester, England?

Question

Help please.

Answer 1

Have someone punch you. When you see stars, look up at the sky.

Answer 2

Well being a town, and being England (Im UK) generally, the urban sky is not really amazing is it.  However when cloud cover is minimal (ie wind that moves it along, or general weather systems occuring with few clouds) it will be more likely stars will be visible.

Maybe get to a high vantage point?  Is there a hill or natural feature, or perhaps someone you know has a high roof you could jump on?

Answer 3

It is hard in any big city, because all the lights make the night sky brighter than all but the brightest stars. You need to find a place with as few nearby lights as you can. But really the best way is to get out of the city to a dark country location. looking at the map in the source it seems like north of the city is your best chance.

Answer 4

Throw a few bicycle chains into local electricity substations.  Be prepared to run.

Answer 5

If what I hear about the area is true, you may be out of luck for all but the really bright stars.  Your best bet is getting into the countryside as far as you can.

If you want to help future generations, fight light pollution.  Get some people together and write your Minister (or whatever you call local and regional government over there) about the possibility of installing light fixtures that concentrate the light downwards.   Not only will this darken the sky, but it will effectively make the lights brighter, resulting in less need for more lights and the ability to get the same light for less wattage, resulting in a local community electricity bill and less use of precious energy... and less CO2 emissions.  You can make the night sky better and help save the world at the same time!

Answer 6

Stars are not really very bright, so if you are near a large city the bright city lights will wash them out at night - you won't see many stars (if any).

You need to get away from bright city lights (including shopping malls, outdoor sports fields, etc.) so the sky is relatively dark.

Answer 7

You need a "light pollution filter", which are available anywhere they sell astronomical gear (online is a good place to start).

These filters remove most of the stray light caused by artificial lighting. You can use them in front of your naked eye, but most people use them in a telescope eyepiece.