Having last year called on the Welsh Government to consider establishing a National Observatory for Wales in the dark skies of the Clwydian Range, Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has welcomed the arrival of an electric powered Dark Skies van at the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB, designed to provide a perfect viewpoint of the local night sky.
The Renault Kangoo Z.E electric van, which has a range of 170 miles, will be kitted out with astronomical equipment, including telescopes.
Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB staff will use the van to run Dark Skies public events across the local area to give people the opportunity to experience natural night sky.
Welcoming the introduction of the van, Darren said:
“Star gazing and astronomy is a passion of many people across Wales, including myself, and it is important that we provide opportunities for people see the night sky in all its glory.
“The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is blessed with dark skies, which is why I called for a National Observatory there last year.
“I am therefore very pleased that this Dark Skies van has been introduced and I am sure it will be well used and enjoyed by many.”
Following a public consultation last year, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB is in the process of applying for Dark Sky Community status with the International Dark Sky Association, which would provide advice and guidance for developers and others on good lighting design in the AONB with the aim to guarantee astronomers, enthusiasts and casual observers can actually see the night sky at its best.
The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB has produced a number of star gazing guides to help people find the major constellation in the night sky – they also tell some of the Welsh folk stories associated with the constellations and the Welsh names of them.
