THE Sun will become a permanent fixture in Blaenau Ffestiniog thanks to The Snowdonia Solar System Trail.

The Trail will be launched at the Oakley Arms Hotel, Maentwrog on Thursday 29th of November at 6pm.

With funding from Arloesi Gwynedd Wledig and the Snowdonia Partnership Fund the Snowdonia Solar System Trail was created by local children and artists Rachel Rosen and Andy Birch with the aim of highlighting Snowdonia’s designation as an international dark sky reserve.

Planets will be placed at ten different businesses across Gwynedd with the Sun at Shop Antur ‘Stiniog on the High Street in Blaenau Ffestiniog, with each piece of art teaching visitors more about that specific planet. As an interplanetary trail, people can also gain an understanding of the solar system’s scale.

As well as a chance to learn more about the trail, there will also be a Dark Sky Wales telescope stargazing session, and there will be a Mars Mission workshop which will put your design skills to the test! This is a free event and is suitable for all ages, all that is needed are warm clothes and an interest in learning more about our magnificent dark sky.

Rachel Roberts from Arloesi Gwynedd Wledig explained: “The dark sky status can create great economic benefit following the growing interest in astronomy. Astro-tourism has resulted in increased visits to Snowdonia during months that are outside the normal tourism season. This trail will add great value to this already flourishing market.”

Arloesi Gwynedd Wledig is one of Menter Môn’s Leader programmes which looks for innovative solutions to the challenges facing the Gwynedd economy by piloting new initiatives.