Gigha residents starry eyed over free stargazing guidebooks

The 80-page full colour softback book is wirebound to allow easy access to the 20 seasonal sky tours contained within.

The book is aimed at beginners and doesn’t require the need for binoculars or a telescope. It is all about enjoying the night sky with just your eyes. 

The book is full of photographs, simple star maps and finder charts alongside stories from mythology as well as the latest science. 

It also has special sections on viewing the moon, Northern Lights, planets, meteors and much more.

Keith decided to write the book, which has the title ‘Discover the Night’, to help his fellow islanders to enjoy the beautiful dark skies above the Isle of Gigha. 

Keith said: “Many Gigha residents often comment on the clarity of our night sky but are not sure exactly what they are looking at. I wanted the guidebook to allow islanders to appreciate and uncover the wonders of Gigha’s night sky, even if they only popped outside and looked up just once or twice a year. 

“The focus on ‘beginners’ meant it had to be easy to understand without any jargon or the need for any specialised equipment or even any knowledge of astronomy.  

“All that is required is knowing the four points of the compass and allowing time for your eyes to become adapted to the dark. 

“The sky tours are simple to follow and they use the ‘star-hopping’ technique which allows stargazers to find things quickly by using well known stars or constellations such as ‘The Plough’ or ‘Orion’.”

Copies of the book have also been given to visitor accommodation to allow those staying on the island to have an enjoyable stargazing experience – weather permitting, of course!