Cardiff Astronomical Society

Dark Sky Festival: Bannau Brycheiniog 20th September 2025

Always remain optimistic should be the motto of any astronomer living in the UK!

Despite a Yellow Alert for rain on the weather forecast and a strong wind we set up as we usually do and pressed on regardless.
In comparison with some events, we had luxury accommodation in a marquee with a dry floor!
And the public, other Societies, and groups to chat with for an interesting and enjoyable day.

We met with members of Bridgend AS, Usk AS, the Mid-Wales AS and renewed our knowledge of Curlews and the Hedgehog Helpline.
The local National Park staff were very welcoming and worked hard all day.
The CEO of the Park was also in attendance and thanked us for approximately 24 years of support and running events there. The new proprietors of the café were very generous supplying us all with a meal voucher. A hot meal was indeed very welcome.

Bob and Stephen were helpful as usual running a diagnostic session for one lady trying to get a telescope to work and the team helped many of the public to get started in this interest.
For those that wanted information, nobody went away empty handed. Tiffany’s Treasures were again very popular.
As for remaining optimistic – yes, the Sun did make an appearance, photos were taken in evidence for those of little faith! And yes, it did clear in the evening for Stephen to give one of his excellent tours of the night sky with tales of associated myths.

A long but very worthwhile day. And yes, the team enjoyed it and we’ll look forward to doing it all again but ordering up a warm, cloudless day and a clear starry sky first. We wish!

- Theresa Cooper