WITH star gazing and astronomy being a passion for many people, Clwyd West's MS has called on the Welsh Government to consider establishing a National Observatory for Wales in the dark skies of the Clwydian Range.

Darren Millar MS, who took up amateur astronomy during the pandemic, made the call during a meeting of the Welsh Parliament when questioning the Economy Minister over the priority the Welsh Government is giving to astronomy within its science policy.

He was disappointed by the Minister’s response that “astronomy is not currently featuring as a high science policy priority” and urged him to reconsider his stance.

He said: “You'll be aware that star gazing and astronomy is a passion of many people across Wales.

“I took it up during lockdown and one of the things that I think is very striking about Wales is that we have some wonderful areas with dark skies, where astronomy really is something that people can enjoy to the fullest.

“One of the areas that's blessed with dark skies is, of course, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which, hopefully, will soon be designated as a national park in north-east Wales.

“I would like to call upon the Welsh Government to consider establishing a National Observatory for Wales in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Park in order to promote scientific research in astronomy and to encourage scientists and other visitors to take an interest in coming north-east Wales. Can I ask that you reconsider the prioritisation of astronomy to look at whether this can be something that the Welsh Government can bring forward in the future? “

The Minister replied: "If there is a serious proposal for an observatory then we'll of course look at the business plan if it's presented to us.” .