The best spots from which to see the secrets of space

The best spots within the UK for stargazers to see the night-sky can now be revealed   Over recent years amateur astronomy has developed into one of the fastest growing hobbies in the UK. Thanks to the success of TV shows such as Stargazing LIVE, thousands of people up and down the country regularly take part in astronomy activities.
And it has now emerged which spots in the country offer keen stargazers the best opportunity of seeing the secrets of the night-sky.
One of those places has been revealed today to be within Derbyshire's Peak District beauty spot.
Experts named Surprise View on the outskirts of Sheffield as one of six new Dark Sky Discovery Sites because it is 15 times darker than the city centre just a few miles away.
Dark Sky Discovery sites are seen as being the best locations from which to view the night-sky.
There are currently just under 20 of these spots, which are nominated by keen amateur astronomers.
It is perhaps not surprising that a number of the best locations are based in sprawling, rural areas such as the Lake District, Brecon Beacons and Northumberland National Park.
This includes the mountain centre near the town of Libanus, Brecon Beacons, as well as Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre in the Lake District.
Perhaps surprisingly, a spot in the capital is also featured, despite it being just miles from the centre of Europe's biggest city.
The WaterWorks Nature Reserve in north-east London allows visitors 24/7 access to dark skies - giving incredible views for those seeking out the stars.
Other top sites include the University of York's Astrocampus, Butser Hill in the Queen Elizabeth Country Park,  Hampshire, and Wimbleball Lake in Exmoor National Park.
To qualify as one of the Dark Sky Discovery Sites, the locations have to be away from light pollution, provide incredible views of the sky and have good public access.
Speaking about Surprise View's inclusion as one of the UK's top sites, John Tanner, a research officer for the Peak District National Park Authority and keen astronomer, said: 'Most people know Surprise View for its superb views of the Hope Valley and the surrounding landscape, but the site has more to offer.
'Because it's away from street lights and the glow of nearby towns and cities, people are able to experience the panorama of the dark sky.
'On a clear night you can see the Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy - 2.5 million light years away - the furthest-away feature in the universe that can be seen with the naked eye.'