With Welsh Dark Skies Week set to start today, Clwyd West MS and Shadow Minister for North Wales, Darren Millar, has made fresh calls for a National Observatory for Wales in the dark skies of the Clwydian Range.

With star gazing and astronomy being a passion for many people, in recent years Darren has repeatedly raised the matter with the Welsh Government, and in a 90 Second Statement in the Senedd this week, he again highlighted the benefits of a National Observatory to the region.  

He said:

“Welsh Dark Skies Week starts on Friday. It's a week of events that has taken place every year since 2021, giving us all the opportunity to celebrate Wales's wonderful dark sky reserves, as well as raising awareness of light pollution. There are various events across Wales's protected landscapes this next week, including walks and stargazing sessions, where people can learn more about the work that's being done to protect Wales's dark skies.

“North Wales, of course, has some of the best dark skies and spots in the UK for stargazing, and it's vital that we all make the most of this opportunity to promote everything they have to offer. One way, of course, to do this would be to establish a National Observatory for Wales in the dark skies of the Clwydian range, which, of course, will soon be Wales's newest national park.

“A National Observatory there could be located close to Wrexham University, with its centre of excellence, which has been doing some fantastic research at the OpTIC Technology Centre in St Asaph.

“Establishing a National Observatory offers potential not just for research, but also for tourism, and would be a major asset for bringing visitors to the region.

“So, this Dark Skies Week, let us all take a moment to gaze upwards upon the magnificent night-time skies above, and let us do what we can to tackle light pollution and to protect and promote Wales's dark skies.”