AboutDarkSkyWales
Dark Sky Wales has been established by the University of Glamorgan’s Professional Education and Service Delivery unit in response to the International Astronomical Union and UNESCO’s call on people around the world to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy in 2009. As a team, we aim to deliver high-quality and innovative workshops to mark this special event.
We are a team of professional educators who provide exciting workshop sessions designed to inspire young learners and to encourage them to take an interest in science, mathematics and engineering. We have built on our successful relations with a number of different organisations, such as SetPoint Wales, Engineering Business Partnership, Hands on Science, First Campus, Cardiff Museum and many more.
OurMission
Here at Dark Sky Wales, we aim to:
- Inspire science education and lifelong learning
- Encourage careers in science and technology
- Promote awareness of dark skies in Wales
- Demonstrate the mythology and legends of the constellations from diverse cultures
All of our workshops are linked by one common theme—Astronomy! The beauty of our night sky has enthralled people throughout the ages and has made a lasting impression in both the science and humanities. However, our heritage in the night sky is in danger of being lost to the encroachment of light pollution. Dark Sky Wales hopes to raise public awareness of this issue by engaging learners in astronomy, science and technology.
MeetTheTeam
Allan Trow (team leader)
Allan enjoys finding innovative ways to engage learners of every generation in STEM activities. He is also a professional astronomer and regularly lectures undergraduate students. Furthermore, he is one of the founders of Dark Sky Wales, an organisation established to promote awareness of the night sky and the loss of heritage associated with menace of light pollution.
Gareth Ball
Gareth is the central point of contact for all bookings and enquiries. In addition to managing the administration of the team and DSW group, Gareth also delivers several of the workshops. A former rugby coach, Gareth is able to deliver the sessions on a one to one basis or to a group. Having joined the university from the retail sector Gareth places a strong emphasis on customer care and satisfaction.
