Avid amateur astronomer Darren Millar MS attended an event right up his street this week when he got to view a model of a ExoMars rover built by Aberystwyth University. 

On Wednesday Darren popped by the Neuadd to see the model and to hear more about how Aberystwyth University researchers are pushing the frontiers of space exploration.  

He went inside their mobile planetarium and also watched a presentation about stars.

Speaking after the event, Darren said: 

“I have been a keen amateur astronomer for several years now so was thrilled to visit the ExoMars rover model and to find out more about the work that the researchers at Aberystwyth University are carrying out, including in the fields of space weather and instrumentation.  

“The researchers are playing a key role in the ExoMars mission, with Welsh technology at the heart of the project. The rover is due to land on the planet in 2028 to carry out vital research.

“I very much enjoyed chatting with the scientists and industry partners, who as well as telling us more about the ExoMars rover, also informed us about other planetary and space work underway at Aberystwyth University. 

“It is truly a fascinating subject matter and I thank Aberystwyth University for all the work they are doing in this field.”