EXPERT astronomers, photographers and a prominent wildlife artist are all part of the confirmed line-up next month's Dark Skies Festival.

The festival, which runs from February 12 to 28, has gone online this year due to Covid restrictions but still has a packed programme of events.

Each evening viewers can watch as astronomers, professors, researchers and astro-photographers share their passion for the night sky.

This year’s Festival is themed around Nature at Night to highlight why darkness is so important to the nation’s wildlife.

Families can listen to Dean Waters of the University of York talk about the ingenious ways that animals have adapted to the darkness - whether it’s bats making echolocation calls or the asymmetric ears of owls.

Similarly, Dr Callum MacGregor of the University of Hull will shed light on the important contribution moths make to the ecosystem by nocturnally pollinating plants.

Viewers can also tune into Yorkshire-based wildlife artist Robert Fuller’s live webcam footage of owls and stoats.

Emily Watson, visitor development for the North York Moors National Park said: “We’ve designed the virtual programme to reflect the broad range of interests and age groups of visitors that would ordinarily come along to the actual Dark Skies Festival in our National Parks.

“Each speaker is passionate about their subject and so it could be an ideal opportunity for families to use some of the sessions as part of the home schooling activity.

“Alternatively, switch off the TV and be prepared to be mesmerised by the fascinating details about darkness and space that our experts share before stepping outside and looking up at the dark sky with a sense of new-found awe.”

For full details on the Virtual Dark Skies Festival programme go to darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk