Astronomy - is there a place in Mayfair where I can take nice photos of the stars/sky? I think it's difficult, but maybe there is a suitable (and safe) spot? Or a group who have the same hobby and meet regularly in Mayfair?
I would imagine that there is far too much light pollution in Mayfair for star gazing. Perhaps in a large park towards the suburbs it might be possible but many public parks close at dusk. Can you star gaze from Hampstead’s Heath?
I would think that Mayfair is close to the worst place in the country to stargaze.
Here you go: ideas for stargazing in and around London https://gostargazing.co.uk/regions/country/england/london-england/
Regent’s Park might work for you? https://gostargazing.co.uk/events/locations/regents-park-hub/
And look! Hampstead Heath Observatory: https://gostargazing.co.uk/events/locations/hampstead-observatory/
None of those is in Mayfair, but that’s just a small and built-up part of central London, and I doubt there’s any stargazing areas specifically there but luckily London has great transport links to less built-up areas.
I can’t remember when I last noticed a lot of stars in London, and I live in one of the outer suburbs. Venus, yes, stars, no. I think even Hampstead Heath will be too much surrounded by light for you to see many. The best bet would be to go right out into the country, away from all main roads and towns. And even then, it may be cloudy. Sorry to sound so negative, but it’s one of my frustrations about living in London. I think much of the country has the light pollution problem, that’s why area like Kielder Forest in Northumberland are specially designated Dark Skies areas.
Mind you, London does have a planetarium!
Richmond Park or Box Hill would probably both give you something
If you have any time to get out of London, both the North Yorkshire Moors and Northumberland are one of a small number of places in the world to receive International Dark Sky Reserve status. These are areas that offer exceptional starry nights and are scientifically protected.
Cloudy skies are as big a problem as light pollution. Not much sun here.
Short reply, we‘re back. We had NO clear weather day or night this month/ this trip. And so stargazing was unfortunately not an issue at all.