A citizen science project, which invites members of the public to take part in identifying cosmic explosions, has already identified 20 new astronomical discoveries. Over 2,000 volunteers across 105 different countries have worked on 600,000 classifications over a six-month period. The project “Kilonova Seekers” aims to find kilonovae – the Read more…
Who would have thought it?! – as the clamour of summer 2024 dies away and we make our way into early autumn, the month of September presents us with a great opportunity to pause, retune our dials and take in the first refreshing breath of cooler night air as we Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) is delighted to announce that three of its esteemed team members, Lovisa Redpath, Kerem Çubuk, and Anna Taylor, have been chosen as role models for the Institute of Physics’ new family programme, Mimi’s Space Adventure. This initiative, funded by the UK Space Agency’s ‘Space for Read more…
Armagh Observatory reports that July 2024 was cooler, drier, and duller than average, the first time this has happened at Armagh since 2011. The mean temperature this month was 15.1 degrees Celsius (59.2 Fahrenheit). Although this is approximately 0.26 C warmer than the 225-year long-term (1796-2020) average July temperature at Read more…
Recently AOP invited David Gavaghan (1) to address its Board of Governors and Management Committee and invited stakeholders at an event on 24th June 2024. His talk entitled “Infinite and Finite” was thought provoking and inspiring, so much so we thought it was worth sharing! “There comes a time in Read more…
Armagh Observatory reports that June 2024 was the coolest and driest June at Armagh for nine years, that is, since June 2015. Very unusually the monthly average temperature was less than the preceding May, the first time this has happened at Armagh for 176 years. With just 125.5 hours of Read more…
Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons MLA, has appointed Ruth Hunter, Gráinne McVeigh and Ronan O’Hara as Members of the Management Committee of the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) with effect from 1 June 2024 to 31 May 2029. AOP is a statutory body as set out in The Armagh Observatory and Read more…
Get ready to embark on a journey through time and imagination as the Armagh Observatory & Planetarium proudly announces its upcoming “Robot Exhibition”, running from 2nd July to 31st August 2024. This summer, science-fiction enthusiasts and curious minds alike will have the unique opportunity to explore a mesmerising collection of Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is proud to announce its selection as one of 15 projects across the UK to receive funding from The UK Space Agency. This funding, part of the Agency’s Space for All initiative, is dedicated to engaging young people from diverse backgrounds and igniting their interest in Read more…
WARMEST MAY ON RECORD, DRIER AND DULLER THAN AVERAGE. EQUAL WARMEST SPRING ON RECORD, WETTER AND DULLER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory reports that May 2024 was much warmer than average, the warmest May on record. It was also drier than average, with approximately half the average May rainfall at Armagh, Read more…
Astronomical Research Facility Announced as one of 12 Recipients of £9,500 Grant May 2024 Leading astronomical research and education centre, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, has been announced as one of 12 UK-based science centres to have been awarded a £9,500 grant by The Association for Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC) Read more…
APRIL WARMER, WETTER, AND DULLER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory, 3rd May 2024: Armagh Observatory reports that April 2024 at Armagh was warmer, wetter, and duller than average. The mean temperature, approximately 9.2 degrees Celsius, was 1.3 C warmer than the 225-year long-term (1796–2020) April average at Armagh (7.92 C), and Read more…
From 20th April to 12th May, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium are delighted to be hosting the Ec(h)o exhibition by Csilla Toldy. Csilla has worked tirelessly on her exhibit and together with our own climate exhibition, will tell the story of the elements of our Earth in an immersive visual and Read more…
News Release: Thursday 18 April 2024 Ec(h)o – digital film poem screening at Armagh Planetarium 20 April – 12 May, Copernicus Hall Artist talk on Saturday 27th April 1.00 – 2.00 pm in Copernicus Hall Armagh Planetarium has launched a screening of a digital film poem by Csilla Toldy, award-winning Read more…
Armagh Observatory, 6th April 2024: Armagh Observatory reports that March was much wetter, rather warmer, and duller than average at Armagh. For the second year in a row March was unseasonably wet. March is usually one of the four drier months of the year at Armagh, that is, February, March, Read more…
FEBRUARY WARMER, SUNNIER AND SLIGHTLY WETTER THAN AVERAGE. WINTER 2023/2024 WARMER, SUNNIER AND SLIGHTLY DRIER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory reports that February 2024 was warmer than average, sunnier, and slightly wetter than average. Despite the month having lower than average atmospheric pressure there were no gales or named storms. The Read more…
February 2024 Leading astronomical research centre Armagh Observatory and Planetarium has played a key role in the discovery of a unique signature of the process by which white dwarf stars cannibalise their planetary systems. The research was conducted by an international team of scientists using the European Southern Observatory’s Chile-based Read more…
The Chronicles Of Armagh Begins on Monday 19 February on BBC One Northern Ireland, 8pm (the entire series will be available on BBC iPlayer). Filmed over 12 months and narrated by Armagh-born actor Colin Morgan, The Chronicles Of Armagh follows a year in the less urban parts of an ancient city Read more…
DRY JANUARY, COOLER AND SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory reports that January 2024 was drier, cooler, and sunnier than average. There were four named storms this month, bringing the total number of such storms to have affected Northern Ireland to a greater or lesser extent this 2023/2024 storm season to Read more…
The European Space Agency (ESA) have officially approved two space missions, LISA and EnVision, for launch in the 2030’s. LISA will search for gravitational waves whilst EnVision will study the interior and atmosphere of Venus. Both missions have contributions from NASA. The process of being formally `adopted’ by ESA can Read more…
DECEMBER 2023 MUCH WARMER, WETTER AND DULLER THAN AVERAGE. 2O23 WARMEST YEAR ON RECORD AT ARMAGH, THIRD WETTEST YEAR ON RECORD, AND SLIGHTLY SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory reports that December 2023 was much warmer than average, wetter than average, and slightly duller than average. Calendar year 2023 was the Read more…
Accessible Screening of Mission Santa Took Place on Friday 15th December December 2023 Leading astronomical research centre, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, screened a special version of its popular Mission Santa Dome Show in British Sign Language and Irish Sign Language on December 15th. Held in collaboration with local charity, Read more…
Armagh Observatory, 5th December 2023. Armagh Observatory reports that November 2023 was slightly warmer, sunnier and drier than average. Taking September, October, and November together the meteorological autumn at Armagh was much wetter, and warmer and sunnier than average. Total precipitation was 60.05 mm (2.36 inches) including 7 trace values, Read more…
Leading Astronomical Research Centre Assists Understanding of How Galaxies Evolve December 2023 Leading astronomical research centre, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, has played a key role in the discovery of a new way to probe how black holes behave when they eat. The findings could offer new information about how Read more…
Halley’s comet highlighted in Royal Astronomical Society meeting. Since antiquity, comets have been associated with portents and omens. The most famous comet of all is probably comet Halley or Halley’s comet, implicated in King Harold’s defeat by the Saxons in the 1066 Battle of Hastings and depicted in the 230-foot Read more…
WETTEST OCTOBER ON RECORD AT ARMAGH, SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE AND VERY MILD Armagh Observatory reports that October 2023 was very much wetter than average, and both sunnier and warmer than average. This was the wettest October at Armagh since daily rainfall records began at the Observatory in 1838, making this Read more…
A member of leading astronomical research centre, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s, management team has been awarded the 2023 Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin medal and prize by the Institute of Physics. Professor Louise Harra received the accolade for her ‘numerous and outstanding achievements and contributions’ to the field. Born in Lurgan, Professor Harra Read more…
The world-famous CHRISTMAS LECTURES are coming to Northern Ireland in December, with Armagh Observatory and Planetarium set to stream the live filming, direct from the Royal Institution (Ri) theatre in London on 12 and 14 December. Watched by millions on the BBC, the annual CHRISTMAS LECTURES are a firm family Read more…
SEPTEMBER WARMER, WETTER AND SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE. THIRD WARMEST SEPTEMBER ON RECORD Armagh Observatory reports that September 2023 was much warmer than average, the third warmest September on record at Armagh. It was also wetter and sunnier than average. Total precipitation was 91.8 mm (3.61 inches) with no trace values. Read more…
On October 5, 1923, Edwin Hubble identified the first Cepheid variable in M31, the Andromeda Galaxy. This proved that the Andromeda nebula was not part of the Milky Way and paved the way for measuring the expansion of the Universe. Cepheid variables are luminous yellow stars which pulsate in brightness Read more…
Welcome one and all to your favourite ‘happy place’ – the AOP night sky blog, where you can kick off your shoes, cosy up in a comfortable chair and chill-out amongst the shimmering stars! It’s also the month with the confusing name which begins with “Oct” -which implies the 8th month, Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium has announced a number of family friendly Halloween themed events that will take place on site over the October mid-term break. These will include: Spooky Space Family Dome Show. Running at various times daily from 24th October until 3rd November. If you’re looking for cosmic fun, Read more…
AUGUST WARMER, WETTER AND SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE. SUMMER FOURTH WARMEST ON RECORD AT ARMAGH, ALSO WETTER AND SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory reports that August 2023 was warmer, wetter and sunnier than average. Unusually, this month also recorded the first two named storms of the 2022/2023 season. Taking June, July Read more…
British Association of Planetaria Event Kicks off Series of Four Conferences at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium September 2023 Leading astronomical research centre, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, recently hosted the British Association of Planetaria (BAP) Conference for the first time in 15 years . The September 1st event was the first Read more…
Written by Sinéad Mackle As the warm days of summer gradually give way to the crisp autumn air, the September night sky presents an exquisite canvas of celestial wonders for stargazers. With longer nights and clearer skies, this time of the year offers a remarkable opportunity to observe planets, constellations, Read more…
AOP recently announced the introduction of a new interactive outdoor activity comprised of two routes. The astronomy-themed Cosmo Lost in Space trail is for children, whilst Astropark Journey, an augmented reality trail, is for an adult audience. Designed by Brilliant Trails and supported by Tourism NI and the Department for Read more…
Armagh Observatory reports that July 2023 was much wetter than average, and cooler than June. It was also duller than average, and had an exceptionally low mean atmospheric pressure for July. Total precipitation was 138.75 mm (5.46 inches) including three trace values, that is, 138.6 mm if trace values are Read more…
The world-famous CHRISTMAS LECTURES are coming to Armagh Observatory and Planetarium in December, when AOP streams the live filming, direct from the Royal Institution (Ri) theatre in London. Watched by millions on the BBC, the annual CHRISTMAS LECTURES are a firm family favourite broadcast during the festive season. Confirmation of Read more…
ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM LAUNCHES BRITISH AND IRISH SIGN LANGUAGE ACCESSIBILITY DOME SHOWS Leading astronomical research centre, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, screened its CAPCOM GO! The Apollo Story Dome Show in British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL) for the first time in July 2023. The screenings are Read more…
FLAMING JUNE: HOTTEST JUNE ON RECORD AT ARMAGH, DRIEST FOR 8 YEARS AND SUNNIEST FOR 14 YEARS Armagh Observatory reports that June 2023 was the warmest June at Armagh for at least 228 years. The month was also much sunnier and much drier than average. The mean temperature, that is, Read more…
An international collaboration of astronomers led by Armagh Observatory and Planetarium has launched a groundbreaking study into the most massive stars in our local dwarf galaxies, the Small and Large Magellanic Clouds. Led by the organisation’s Professor Jorick Vink, the XShootU consortium collaborated with the Space Telescope Science Institute to Read more…
The first planet to be discovered around a regular star was made in 1995 and orbits its host star 51 Peg every 4.2 days. In the nearly 30 years since the first discovery of an exoplanet (as planets orbiting stars other than our Sun are called) we now know of Read more…
Regular readers of these notes may have heard of the Gravitational-wave Optical Transient Observer (GOTO) project which aims to detect the optical counterpart of Gravitational Wave events. These events are due to the collision of neutron stars, or a neutron star colliding with a black hole. The scientists involved in Read more…
Leading astronomical research and education centre, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, has announced that two of its Visiting Astronomers, Aswin Sekhar and Galin Borisov, have had asteroids named after them by the International Astronomical Union on June 21st. The honours were bestowed during the Asteroids, Comets, Meteors Conference 2023, which was Read more…
Leading Astronomical Research Centre Concludes STEM Programme For 7 to 11 Year Olds June 2023 Globally recognised astronomical research centre, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, held a graduation ceremony on June 27th in its 360-degree dome to mark the conclusion of the ‘Space Cadet Club’, its inaugural after school STEM education Read more…
The first launch window for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Euclid satellite will come into view on Saturday July 1st at 16.12 BST. Euclid should originally have been launched on a Soyuz launcher from French Guyana, but because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, all joint ventures with the Russian Space Read more…
Armagh Observatory, 15th June 2023: Armagh Observatory reports that May 2023 was much warmer and drier than average, but slightly duller. Taking March, April, and May together the meteorological spring was the wettest at Armagh for 21 years, the warmest for 6 years, and the dullest for 4 years. The Read more…
Space science programme ‘Our World From Space’ will be launching in 22 science centres and museums this summer! This exciting 2-year national programme, created and developed by the Association for Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC) and a specialist project team, will be exploring the relevance of space science for the Read more…
We have announced a number of family friendly events that will take place on site during the summer holidays of July and August 2023. These will include: Planet Roar Live Dinosaur Show. Running at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 3:00pm from 18th July until 23rd July, the show takes a prehistoric leap Read more…
Applications For Boardroom Apprentice 2023 Are Open Applications for this year’s Boardroom Apprentice programme are now open and available on the official Boardroom Apprentice website. Open to those aged 16 or over from all backgrounds and all abilities, this unique board learning and development programme is looking for a diverse Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium have welcomed a record 72,000 visitors during 2022/23. This is a significant increase from the annual average of between 50,000 and 55,000 visitors and includes a surge in non term time footfall. The unprecedented rise in visitor numbers comes as the organisation continues to improve the Read more…
Leading Astronomical Research Centre to Give Accolade in Dublin on May 26th Globally recognised astronomical research institute, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, is set to present the Robinson Medal for Science to the Astronomer Royal, Lord Martin Rees, at a formal reception to be held at Dublin’s Bank of Ireland building, Read more…
Armagh is a partner in two telescope projects whose key goal is to detect the optical counterpart of colliding massive dead stars. Albert Einstein predicted that when two massive objects spiral around each other, eventually merging to become one more massive object, gravitational waves would be emitted. Scientists spent a Read more…
Armagh Observatory, 6th May 2023: Armagh Observatory reports that April 2023 was warmer than average but slightly duller and wetter. The mean temperature was 9.50 degrees Celsius (49.11 Fahrenheit), approximately 1.6 C warmer than the 225-year long-term (1796–2020) April average at Armagh (7.92 C) and 0.7 C warmer than the Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, was recently announced as one of seven organisations to have been awarded a Bold Futures grant by the Association for Science and Discovery Centres. The organisation will use the grant to engage with the local special educational needs community. Armagh Observatory and Planetarium was awarded the Read more…
by AOP Astronomer Gavin Ramsay Today the European Space Agency (ESA) successfully launched its Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) mission from Kourou in French Guiana on an Ariane 5 launcher after it was delayed for a day due to a weather forecast of potential storms. In the planning stage for Read more…
Armagh Observatory, 3rd April 2023: Armagh Observatory reports that March 2023 was the wettest March on record at Armagh, that is, since daily rainfall measurements began at Armagh in 1838. The month was also duller and slightly warmer than average. Total precipitation was 140.75 mm (5.54 inches) including five trace Read more…
“April is the kindest month. April gets you out of your head and out working in the garden.” – Marty Rubin, Author. It is Springtime, and I’m sure we are all very glad to see the back of winter. With a shockingly cold start to March, here is hoping that Read more…
Astronomers of the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) have been part of one of the many teams around the world studying the outcome of the Double-Asteroid Redirection Test (DART): a space mission designed to test the human capability of deflecting an asteroid that may pose a threat to Earth. Don’t Read more…
Leading astronomical research centre, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, screened its CapCom Go Dome Show in Irish for the first time during global Irish language festival, Seachtain na Gaeilge, The launch of CapCom Go as Gaeilge, on 8th March 2023, was attended by local school groups. The screening is part of Read more…
Article written by: Prof. Jorick Vink, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. According to the European Space Agency (ESA) there is a 1-in-625 chance that Asteroid 2023DW, with the size of a Football pitch, can strike Earth on Valentine’s Day 2046. Astronomers around the globe, including those at the Armagh Observatory Read more…
We have announced that a number of family friendly Dome Shows will take place on site during the Easter break, from 5th to 16th April 2023. These will include: The Astronaut George Toddler Dome Show. Running daily at 10:30am from 6th to 16th April, except for 9th April, this show Read more…
Article by: Matthew McMahon, Museum Collections Officer Brass might not have the appeal of other rich metals, like gold or silver, but ask anyone that has spent time around an old observatory and they will tell you that brass sparkles just as bright. At the start of 2023 we Read more…
FEBRUARY DULLER THAN AVERAGE BUT DRIEST AND WARMEST AT ARMAGH FOR 25 YEARS. WINTER 2022/2023 DRIER AND WARMER THAN AVERAGE, WITH ABOUT AVERAGE SUNSHINE. Armagh Observatory reports that February 2023 was duller than average but the driest and warmest February at Armagh for 25 years. The month was dominated by Read more…
Article by: Mark Grimley To make things a little easier for us to stargaze it will be helpful to head out of town for a bit, somewhere with less light pollution will allow us to see more stars. For those who live in the countryside, this should be easier. Read more…
Armagh Observatory, 3rd February 2023: Armagh Observatory reports that January 2023 was warmer and slightly drier than average, though feeling damp, and sunnier than average. Total precipitation was 65.1 mm (2.56 inches) including 4 trace values, that is, 64.9 mm if trace values are ignored. This is approximately 89.5% of Read more…
Solving a 40 year cosmic mystery about interstellar gas only to uncover an even deeper one. Author: Michael Burton, Director of the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium Hydrogen molecules have been found in clouds of shocked gas in interstellar space that are at temperatures of around 5,000 degrees. This is much Read more…
Want to know more detail about the research described in this Astronotes article on ultra-hot hydrogen molecules? Here are five papers spanning more than four decades of research that helped lead to this discovery of ultra-hot molecular hydrogen: Velocity profiles in the 2.1 micron molecular hydrogen line emission line in the Orion Molecular Cloud Read more…
Article by: Lovisa Redpath Thankfully, the LONGEST month in the year is behind us, we finally have money again, and we are in February! With, hopefully, nice clear night skies I will tell you what you can see throughout the month. If you are interested in stargazing, let me Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium has announced that a number of family friendly events will take place on site from 26 to 28 January 2023. These will be: A Star Tracker evening, which will take place on 26th January. Suitable for adults and children aged over eight, this two-hour event will Read more…
World renowned astronomical research centre, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, has co-authored a research paper that announces the discovery of eight new and very hot stars with effective temperatures exceeding 100,000K. Published by the Royal Astronomical Society, the paper* is based on data gathered using the Southern African Large Telescope Read more…
Armagh Observatory, 7th January 2023. Armagh Observatory reports that December 2022 was cooler, sunnier and drier than average. This was the coolest December at Armagh for 12 years and the fourth-coolest December at Armagh during the last 40 years. Considering calendar year 2022, this was the warmest year on record Read more…
RECORD-BREAKING NOVEMBER. SUNNIEST NOVEMBER AT ARMAGH FOR 98 YEARS, WARMEST FOR 11 YEARS, AND WETTEST FOR 4 YEARS. AUTUMN 2022 THE SECOND WARMEST ON RECORD AT ARMAGH, THE THIRD WETTEST AND THE SUNNIEST AT ARMAGH FOR 19 YEARS. Armagh Observatory, 13th December 2022. Armagh Observatory reports that November 2022 Read more…
We are set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of NASA’s Apollo 17 Moon landing with a Star Tracker Evening on December 14th. The event will include a talk, a Dome Show and stargazing. During the talk, visitors will learn about The Apollo Story by Paul Evans, IAA, IFAS. This will be Read more…
Event to Take Place on Site in the Planetarium on 13th and 15th December Armagh Observatory and Planetarium has announced that it is set to live screen the famous Christmas Lectures from the Royal Institution. The screenings will take place in the Copernicus Hall on 13th December and in the Kepler Room Read more…
Astronomical Research Centre Recognised by UK Museum Accreditation Scheme Leading centre for astronomical research, Armagh Observatory, has today announced that it has received accreditation from the NI Museums Council under the UK Museum Accreditation Scheme. The Observatory now joins a much larger community, both locally in Armagh and beyond. Armagh Read more…
Accolade Recognises Organisation’s Inclusive Culture World renowned astronomical research centre, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, has been awarded Bronze Diversity Mark accreditation by Diversity Mark NI. The organisation was recognised for its efforts to embody diversity, equality and inclusion. The awarding body of the Diversity Mark accreditation, Diversity Mark aims to Read more…
Globally renowned astronomical research centre, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, has announced that its planetarium full dome show, ‘Our Place in the Cosmos’ is set to be screened at the Fulldome UK 2022 (FDUK 2022) festival in Plymouth between 4th to 13th November 2022. One of 35 entries selected from amongst Read more…
Armagh Observatory reports that October 2022 was much wetter and warmer than average and with roughly average sunshine. This was the wettest October at Armagh for 11 years and probably the fourth-wettest October at Armagh since daily rainfall records began in 1838. Total measured precipitation was 149.45 mm (5.88 inches) Read more…
Education and Outreach Manager, Sinead Mackle, Takes Up UK Wide Post Sinead Mackle, Education and Outreach Manager at world renowned astronomical research centre, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, is set to take up the voluntary post of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Officer with the UK and ROI based Council of the Read more…
Armagh Observatory, 6th October 2022: Armagh Observatory reports that September 2022 was much wetter than average, the wettest September at Armagh for 12 years. It was also warmer and sunnier than average, the sunniest September at Armagh since 1997. Total September precipitation was 110.35 mm (4.34 inches) including 5 Read more…
An innovative ‘Puffersphere’ display created by an Armagh Observatory and Planetarium summer intern was unveiled in the Planetarium exhibition space this month. Titled ‘Observatories of the World,’ the spherical exhibit was created by Daniella Belo, a pupil at St Patrick’s College in Dungannon, during her participation in the Nuffield Placement Read more…
We have unveiled a new Climate Exhibition, inspired by the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26,) the permanent display was created by the organisation to raise awareness of climate change. Currently situated onsite in The Copernicus Hall, the mobile exhibit explores three key themes – Land, Water and Air. It examines Read more…
World Renowned Astronomical Research Centre Welcomed UK and International Delegates Globally recognised astronomical research centre, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, recently played host to research networking project, Observatory Sites and Networks since 1780. The initiative, which united UK and international scholars who research observatory histories, conducted its final two-day workshop in Read more…
RECORD-BREAKING AUGUST AT ARMAGH: DRIEST FOR 19 YEARS, WARMEST FOR 25 YEARS, AND SUNNIEST FOR 27 YEARS. SUMMER 2022 MUCH WARMER THAN AVERAGE, DRIEST FOR 27 YEARS, AND SLIGHTLY SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE. Armagh Observatory reports that August 2022 was the driest at Armagh since August 2003, the warmest since August Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) has announced record footfall as it marks its first anniversary since unveiling its newly redeveloped visitor experience. The globally recognised astronomical research facility saw footfall reach a decade high of 17,000 in July 2022. The organisation, which reopened in June 2021, reported a total footfall Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) has announced 34-year-old Armagh native, Peter McNeill as its next Boardroom Apprentice. Appointed in June 2022, Peter is the fourth person to have been selected for the role in as many years. Peter, who has a background in community relations, will complete a year long Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium has recommenced its popular two-hour visits for primary school pupils. Led by one of the organisation’s Education team members, each tour will consist of one hour spent in the Dome Theatre, a 30-minute workshop and a 30-minute exhibition tour. The educational tours will begin with a Read more…
Following on from last year’s success, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is once again planning an out of this world experience for families across Northern Ireland as it launches this year’s Mission Santa event. Ready to blast off for its third year, the spectacular space pantomime has been created by BNL Read more…
Translink has teamed up with The Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul to offer free family travel and attraction passes to selected families in need as part of its Little Explorers campaign. Several local attractions have generously donated family activity passes so they can awaken their sense of adventure Read more…
Astronomy Facility to Showcase Historic NASA Event on 29th August Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is set to live stream NASA’s Artemis I Mission Launch between 1.33pm and 3:33pm on Monday 29th August. The ticketed event, which will take place at Armagh Planetarium will see visitors experience the launch in real Read more…
200th Anniversary Performance to Honour Astronomer and Composer Who Discovered Uranus on Friday 19th August starting at 6.30pm Armagh Observatory & Planetarium (AOP) is set to hold a live music event in its dome on 19th August 2022 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the death of astronomer and musician, Read more…
DULL, DRY JULY, WARMER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory reports that apart from the exceptionally dull July 2020 this July at Armagh had the fewest hours of strong sunshine for 29 years. It was also the driest at Armagh for 22 years and more than 1 degree Celsius warmer than the Read more…
“Commander Moonikin Campos” is the official name of the manikin launching on Artemis I, NASA’s uncrewed flight test of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft around the Moon later this year. The Moonikin received its name as the result of a competitive bracket contest honoring NASA figures, programs, or astronomical Read more…
Armagh Observatory & Planetarium (AOP) has partnered with Libraries NI to distribute across the province 200 free copies of its brand-new children’s science book, “Big Book of Experiments and Bright Ideas.” Designed and written by AOP staff, the book was inspired by the success of the Planetarium’s ‘Science@Home’ online programme, Read more…
An international collaboration of ten partners, including Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, has developed an innovative new telescope, made up of two identical arrays on opposite sides of the planet, which will track down sources of gravitational waves such as merging Neutron Stars and Black Holes. The Gravitational-wave Optical Transient Observer Read more…
Armagh Observatory & Planetarium, in partnership with the Irish astronomical observatories at Birr in Co Offlay, and Dunsink in Dublin, have submitted the first stage of a bid aiming for nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status. The application is to seek listing on the UK’s tentative list for World Heritage Read more…
Written by Gavin Ramsay A number of Armagh astronomers travelled this week to the University of Warwick in England to take part in the first `in-person’ UK National Astronomy Meeting since 2019. Over 800 people participated either in person or remotely. For many PhD students it was the first big Read more…
The NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope reveals emerging stellar nurseries and individual stars in Carina Nebula that were previously obscured. The new images showcase how Webb’s cameras can peer through cosmic dust, shedding new light on how stars form. Objects in earliest, rapid phases of star formation difficult to capture, Read more…
The dawn of a new era in astronomy has begun as the world gets its first look at the full capabilities of the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope. The telescope’s first full-colour images and spectroscopic data, which uncover a spectacular collection of cosmic features that have remained elusive until now, were Read more…