In a remote corner of Ceredigion, west Wales, a growing interest in astrotourism is drawing enthusiasts to the enchanting night sky. Recently, I joined fellow stargazers Siân and James Harrison on a transformative experience guided by Dafydd Wyn Morgan, founder of Serydda, an astrotourism venture. Under the vast expanse of stars, we explored not only the celestial wonders but also the deep emotional connections that the night sky can evoke.
The Allure of Darkness
As I arrived at Llanddewi-Brefi, the initial impression was one of profound darkness, with clouds obscuring the stars. However, after a four-and-a-half-hour wait, the clouds parted, revealing a breathtaking display of celestial bodies. The sight was awe-inspiring; stars dotted the sky in every direction, a stark contrast to the light-polluted urban environments many of us inhabit.
With a green laser cutting through the night, Wyn Morgan introduced us to various celestial formations, including the illustrious Jupiter and Orion’s Belt. James passionately shared his fascination with this constellation, highlighting the region as a stellar nursery where new stars are continuously born. “I’ll focus on something, and it’ll be 150 million light years away,” he remarked, encapsulating the enormity of the universe and our place within it.
The Star Bathing Experience
Wyn Morgan’s star bathing sessions are a unique blend of astronomy and emotional exploration. Participants lie back on blankets, gazing up at the cosmos while engaging in discussions about the myths and legends associated with the constellations. This approach mirrors the concept of forest bathing, which originated in Japan in the 1980s, emphasising emotional connection over scientific knowledge.
“It’s about the feeling at that precise moment,” Wyn Morgan explained. “How it makes you feel emotionally,” he continued, suggesting that such experiences can ignite a passion for stargazing that encourages individuals to delve deeper into the mysteries of the universe.
Since launching Serydda in January 2025, Wyn has attracted over 100 attendees to his workshops, with many returning to different dark sky locations. This rising interest is reflected in a recent Booking.com survey, where 72% of participants expressed a desire to visit dark sky destinations for star bathing experiences.
The Science of Stargazing
As we stood on a bridge over Llyn Teifi, surrounded by rocky outcrops and marshland, Wyn remarked on the unique sensory experience of the night sky. “Breathing in the night sky is something totally different. Cool, cold, fresh and pure – like drinking water from a well,” he said, evoking the primal connection humans have always felt towards the cosmos.
Dani Robertson, a dark skies officer for Snowdonia National Park, emphasised the historical significance of stargazing. “It goes back to the very core of humanity,” she noted. With 98% of the UK population living under light-polluted skies, many are now experiencing their first glimpses of the stars, often travelling great distances for the chance to witness this natural spectacle.
Robertson facilitates a variety of stargazing events, from mobile observatories to meteor watch parties. She recounted a moving experience of a man celebrating his 50th birthday, who was overcome with emotion upon witnessing shooting stars for the first time. The demand for such events is overwhelming, with Robertson stating, “I can’t run enough events to keep up with demand. Every event has a huge waiting list.”
The Psychological Benefits of Nature
Research indicates that immersing oneself in nature can have significant psychological benefits. Annalisa Setti, a senior lecturer at University College Cork, explained that engaging with natural environments can lead to an optimal level of arousal, fostering a state of “positive relaxation.” This phenomenon occurs as areas of the brain associated with negative rumination become less active when individuals observe nature.
However, light pollution poses a growing threat to these benefits. Robertson warned that increasing artificial light disrupts human circadian rhythms and affects other species. She advocates for simple solutions, such as using dark-sky-friendly bulbs and turning off unnecessary lights, to preserve our connection to the night sky.
The Milky Way and Beyond
As the night deepened, a cloud-like formation appeared, revealing the Milky Way in all its glory. The excitement from Siân and James was palpable as we stood mesmerised by the cosmic display of gas, dust, dark matter, and billions of stars. “To be able to look at these things and appreciate the beauty, the majesty, and the scale of it – it’s just amazing,” James reflected, capturing the essence of the stargazing experience.
Why it Matters
The resurgence in interest for stargazing not only reconnects individuals with the natural world but also highlights the urgent need to address light pollution. As more people recognise the emotional and psychological benefits of observing the night sky, it becomes imperative to protect these celestial views for future generations. In a time where urbanisation often disconnects us from nature, initiatives like star bathing are vital for fostering a sense of wonder and appreciation for the universe that surrounds us.
