If most of us had to write a bucket list for travel experiences, chances are that seeing the northern lights would be pretty near the top. But the unearthly spectre of the aurora borealis is just one in a myriad of charms the dark skies of the Highlands and islands will boast this autumn. We spoke to seven local residents to get their tips for how to broaden your horizons – while scanning them for shooting stars and delving into the awe-inspiring mysteries of the Milky Way.