Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Read more
A spectacular new stargazing experience is set to launch at one of the country’s most renowned dark sky parks.
Kielder Observatory, in the heart of Northumberland National Park, has partnered with actor and presenter Robson Green to bring a new stargazing experience to the Twice Brewed Inn, near Hadrian’s Wall.
Installed at the site will be a state-of-the-art reflective telescope, christened the “Robson’s Reflector” after the Northumberland native.
The experience will combine a planetarium, observatory and state-of-the-art equipment, offering visitors a breathtaking glimpse of the cosmos.
The English actor and presenter will launch the brand new stargazing experience at the inn on 31 May.
The pub, close to Hadrian’s Wall, first partnered with the Kielder Observatory in 2025 to offer stargazing after dusk.
A designated Dark Sky Park since 2013, Northumberland National Park covers a quarter of the whole county.
According to the observatory, the new experience will give even more people the opportunity to “connect with Northumberland’s internationally recognised dark skies – supporting tourism, inspiring future generations and bringing new visitors into the region”.
Robson Green said, “There’s something incredibly special about the skies in Northumberland. They make you stop, reflect and feel connected to something much bigger than yourself.
“Places like Kielder Observatory at Twice Brewed Inn help people experience that wonder first-hand, while also shining a light on this incredible part of the country. I’m delighted to be part of the launch.”
CEO Leigh Venus added: “Kielder Observatory has always been about creating moments of inspiration, wonder and reflection through the night sky, while making astronomy accessible to everyone.
“This new location allows us to reach even more people – from families and tourists to schools and communities who may never otherwise have the opportunity to engage with astronomy in this way – and create a different kind of experience combining our incredible team with the food, drink and warm welcome of Twice Brewed Inn right next door.
“Northumberland’s dark skies are one of the region’s greatest natural assets, and we’re incredibly proud to continue building experiences that support tourism, education and inspiration.”
Read more: An eclipse expert’s guide to next year’s solar blackout