More than 100 enthusiasts attended Monmouthshire’s third Stargazing Event, which took place last Thursday evening at Abergavenny Castle.

Despite the cloudy skies, ticket sales meant the occasion was still widely attended, with organisers still hopeful of making the location at the castle a recognised Dark Skies observation site.

Inside, attendees were treated to wonders of the night sky courtesy of an inflatable planetarium, with a talk on binoculars and telescopes enthusing young and old, amateur and experienced alike.

Nick Busby, Chairman of Abergavenny Astronomy Society, who was on hand with colleagues to answer questions, said that the society is always on the lookout for new members, and with their outreach programme, visiting schools and colleges to talk about the subject has become a vital part of their mission statement. Nick, a keen astrophotographer, said the society meets monthly for observing sessions and talks, and everyone is welcome. To contact nick email [email protected]

With light refreshments on hand, Eileen Powell from Raglan, a volunteer for the evening, said events like this are important, as from sites like this, you get to see so much more of the night sky than you would in areas where there’s too much lighting. Eileen, also a Monmouthshire ambassador for the county, went on to say that her 13 year old grandson, a budding astronomer himself, literally cried when he saw exactly how much more you can see under really dark skies, all the fainter stars you would otherwise miss out on seeing.

For further information on related forthcoming events contact Rachel Rogers, Curator at Abergavenny Museum, on (01873) 854282.