This year’s International Dark Sky Week will be celebrated in a series of free online events organised by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.
Held during the week of April’s new moon (5 April to 12 April), International Dark Sky Week is an annual event where people all over the world are encouraged to turn out their lights and appreciate the beauty of the night sky.
On Tuesday 6 April at 5pm, Starry Skies for Pembrokeshire will provide opportunities to learn about the special qualities and benefits of Pembrokeshire’s dark and starry skies. Topics of discussion will include how local communities can get engaged in celebrating and cherishing our night skies, and how nocturnal wildlife can thrive as a result of improving the quality of lighting at night.
If you’ve ever contemplated the significance of the night sky to our ancestors, Ancient Stories under the Stars, held on Wednesday 7 April at 7pm in partnership with the Preseli Heartlands Project, will see Community Archaeologist Tomos Ll. Jones team up with storyteller Alice Courvoisier to explore the prehistoric landscape of the Preseli Hills through ancient stories and night sky-inspired legends.
The final Dark Sky event will take place on Thursday 8 April at 6pm and offers the chance for some virtual stargazing with Dark Sky Wales’ team of experts. From the warmth and comfort of a virtual planetarium, Exploring the Night Skies will take participants on a tour of the night sky, exploring different planets, constellations and galaxies. Tips and simple stargazing techniques will also be provided, inspiring all to make the most of Pembrokeshire’s dark skies.
Community Archaeologist Tomos Ll. Jones said: “We are blessed with some truly spectacular night skies here in Pembrokeshire. With low light pollution and a necklace of eight nationally recognised designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites, the National Park is one of the best stargazing places across the UK, where the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye
“These events will give people a chance to sample some of the amazing adventures that can be enjoyed under the National Park’s dark skies.”
Although attendance is free, booking is essential for all three events. To find out more, go to www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/events. A map of Pembrokeshire’s Dark Sky Discovery sites can be found at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/dark-skies.
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