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Armagh Observatory and Planetarium's Stellar Blog!

History and Heritage

How do we know what stars are made of? 100 Years of Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin

Have you ever wondered what the stars are made of? It’s not like we can jump on a spaceship, visit them, and, using a special bucket and spade, take a sample from their surface to bring back to the lab Read more…

By Ciarán Furey, 7 daysJune 7, 2025 ago
Press Releases

Weather Round-Up May 2025

MARVELLOUS MAY: SUNNIEST ON RECORD, MUCH WARMER, DRIER THAN AVERAGE.  SUNNIEST AND WARMEST SPRING ON RECORD AND DRIER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory, 6th June 2025:  Armagh Observatory reports that May 2025, with 285.4 hours of strong sunshine, was the sunniest Read more…

By Mark Bailey, 1 week ago
Our Galaxy

Cosmic wonderland: The pillars of creation

To the stargazers out there, let’s take a journey nearly 7,000 light-years away from earth through our cosmic wonderland otherwise known as space, where towering pillars of gas and dust form the birth of stars.     In the northern celestial Read more…

By Emma-Jayne Malcomson, 2 weeksJune 2, 2025 ago
Latest News

Armagh Observatory & Planetarium Appointed as STEM Ambassador Delivery Partner for Northern Ireland   

Armagh Observatory & Planetarium (AOP) has been officially appointed as the STEM Ambassador Delivery Partner for Northern Ireland, reinforcing its commitment to inspiring young minds and fostering a love for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This appointment positions AOP Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 2 weeksMay 29, 2025 ago
June

June Night Sky 2025

Welcome to summer stargazing 2025. We are going to have a look at the night sky and some of the things we can see through June. Hopefully, these nights are warm enough to feel comfortable stargazing. We will have to Read more…

By Mark Grimley, 2 weeksMay 28, 2025 ago
Weather

April Weather Round-Up

RECORD-BREAKING APRIL MUCH WARMER, MUCH SUNNIER, AND WETTER THAN AVERAGE   Armagh Observatory, 10th May 2025:  Armagh Observatory reports that April 2025 was a record-breaking month, much warmer, much sunnier, and wetter than average.  It was the third warmest April Read more…

By Mark Bailey, 4 weeksMay 16, 2025 ago
Other Galaxies

Celebrating Black Hole Week with a Spotlight on a Research Paper

Black holes are kind of scary. Think about an invisible pitfall that swallows everything that gets close. Even light, the fastest thing in the universe, can’t escape them! From a scientist’s point of view, however, black holes are kind of Read more…

By Kyriakos Trakakis, 1 monthMay 10, 2025 ago
History and Heritage

Armagh Planetarium Marks 100 Years of Planetaria with New Global Publication and Free Dome Shows

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) is celebrating a major milestone in the history of astronomy and science education with the launch of a new international publication:100 Years of Planetaria: 100 Stories of People, Places, and Devices, co-edited by AOP’s own Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 1 monthMay 9, 2025 ago
Press Releases

ARMAGH RECORDS HOTTEST APRIL DAY SINCE 1843

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) has confirmed that 30 April 2025 recorded the hottest April day in Armagh since daily maximum temperature records began in 1843, with a high of 23.4ºC at approximately 13:27 GMT with the reading taken from Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 1 monthMay 8, 2025 ago
Human Exploration

From Einstein’s Triumph to Spinning Stars: How Armagh Scientists Are Unlocking the Secrets of Heavy Black Holes

A new study led by PhD student Ethan Winch explores how stellar spin and mass loss shape the Universe’s heaviest black holes — connecting gravitational wave discoveries to the lives of the earliest stars. When the first gravitational waves rippled Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 1 monthMay 6, 2025 ago
May

May Night Sky 2025

So here we are, closer to the middle of the year than the beginning and we are barrelling fast towards the summer! Exciting news for those lucky enough to get the summer off – not so exciting for those who Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 1 monthMay 2, 2025 ago
History and Heritage

AOP Trees 2025

AOP Trees 2025 Trees 2025 started by accident on a perfect Sunday morning in November 2023. Since 1996, I have worked in Armagh, walked these woods, and watched the changing seasons. For over 200 years, these magnificent giant beech trees Read more…

By Simon Jeffery, 1 monthApril 30, 2025 ago
Latest News

March 2025 Weather Round-Up

MARCH 2025 DRIER AND SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE, AND MUCH WARMER Armagh Observatory, 4th April 2025:  Armagh Observatory reports that March 2025 was drier and sunnier than average, and much warmer.  This was driest March at Armagh for 13 years, continuing Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 2 monthsApril 14, 2025 ago
Latest News

April Night Sky 2025

Another month down, and we’re officially into April! With it, we’re welcoming brighter mornings and brighter evenings – thank you, daylight savings! We’re getting closer to retiring the winter coats and swapping hot drinks for iced ones. Spring is here! Read more…

By Lovisa Redpath, 2 months ago
Latest News

Weather Round Up February 2025

FEBRUARY WARMER, DRIER AND DULLER THAN AVERAGE.  WINTER 2024/2025 WARMER AND DRIER THAN AVERAGE, WITH ABOUT AVERAGE SUNSHINE Armagh Observatory reports that February 2025 at Armagh was warmer, drier, and duller than average.  In a month largely dominated by higher-than-average Read more…

By Mark Bailey, 3 monthsMarch 12, 2025 ago
Latest News

March Night Sky 2025

Welcome to our quick take on top celestial wonders to spot in the March night sky! Well we’ve certainly been spoiled for entertainment so far this year with the heavyweights of our Solar System -Earth’s planetary neighbours gathering together on Read more…

By Nick Parke, 3 monthsMarch 5, 2025 ago
History and Heritage

Lord of Ether and Light – Earliest Astronomical Drawings on display at Armagh Planetarium 

It takes a good telescope to see deep into space, but it takes a Great Telescope to change how we see the entire universe. In 1845 such a telescope was built by the 3rd Earl of Rosse, in the grounds Read more…

By Matthew McMahon, 4 monthsFebruary 28, 2025 ago
Latest News

ASTRONOMERS DISCOVER YOUNG STARS IN A DISTANT, METAL-POOR GALAXY USING JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, together with former PhD student Venu Kalari and a team of international researchers, have identified young, pre-main sequence stars in the low-metallicity dwarf galaxy WLM, using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). On Christmas Day 2021, Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 4 months ago
Latest News

HISTORIC ROSSE DRAWINGS EXHIBITION LAUNCHES AT ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM

A remarkable exhibition of historic astronomical drawings, including sketches believed to have influenced Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night, has opened at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. The exhibition showcases the renowned Rosse drawings—extraordinary depictions of spiral nebulae created in Birr, Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 4 monthsFebruary 22, 2025 ago
Latest News

Weather Round Up January 2025

JANUARY DRIER, COOLER, AND SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory reports that January 2025 was drier, cooler, and sunnier than average.  There were three named storms this month, bringing the total number of such storms to have affected Northern Ireland to Read more…

By Mark Bailey, 4 monthsFebruary 21, 2025 ago
Latest News

February Night Sky 2025

This month is an interesting one for those of us who love to stargaze. I know the nights are still cooler, so wrap up and head out to watch the stars. While the sun will gradually set later and later Read more…

By Mark Grimley, 4 monthsJanuary 30, 2025 ago
Latest News

December 2024 Weather Round-Up

DECEMBER 2024 DRIER AND MUCH WARMER AND DULLER THAN AVERAGE.  CALENDAR YEAR 2O24 MUCH WARMER AND DRIER THAN AVERAGE, AND SLIGHTLY DULLER. Armagh Observatory reports that December 2024 was drier and much warmer and duller than average.  The average December Read more…

By Mark Bailey, 5 monthsJanuary 24, 2025 ago
Latest News

Pat Corvan – A Legacy at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium

Matthew McMahon – Museum Collections Officer Patrick (Pat) Corvan was born 18 March 1940 and passed away on 28 December 2024. He was a longstanding friend of the institution and former staff member, and a generous mentor to a younger Read more…

By Matthew McMahon, 5 monthsJanuary 22, 2025 ago
Latest News

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium Youth Volunteer Highly Commended at Prestigious National Awards

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) is delighted to announce that Tiernan McCracken, a dedicated member of its Youth Forum, has been highly commended at the prestigious Volunteer Awards 2024, organised by the Association for Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC). The awards Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 5 months ago
January

January Night Sky 2025

Well, time moves on, into another year as we brace for (according to some) the most depressing month of the year. At least we get it over and done with and can enjoy the rest of the year – I Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 6 monthsDecember 27, 2024 ago
Press Releases

Christmas Day broadcast with the Archbishops of Armagh

This year’s Christmas message from the Archbishops of Armagh, which was filmed in Armagh Observatory and Planetarium and draws on the theme of the Christmas Star, will be broadcast on Christmas Day at 12.10pm on RTÉ One television and 1.05pm on RTÉ Radio One.  Read more…

By Sinead Mackle, 6 monthsDecember 20, 2024 ago
Latest News

November Weather Round Up

NOVEMBER DRIER, WARMER, AND DULLER THAN AVERAGE.  AUTUMN 2024 MUCH DRIER, AND SUNNIER AND WARMER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory, 14th December 2024.  Armagh Observatory reports that November 2024 was drier, warmer, and duller than average.  Taking September, October, and November Read more…

By Mark Bailey, 6 months ago
Monthly Sky Notes

December Night Sky 2024

During December we will be able to start stargazing from earlier in the evenings, weather permitting of course. This means that on clear nights we get a view of more stars and objects in the night sky; but it is Read more…

By Mark Grimley, 7 months ago
Latest News

October Weather Round-Up

DRY OCTOBER, WARMER AND SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory reports that October 2024 was the driest October at Armagh for six years, the sunniest for three years, and warmer than average though the coolest for four years. Although October is Read more…

By Mark Bailey, 7 monthsNovember 9, 2024 ago
Gavin Ramsay

Paris Observatory 

The Plato Science Working Team usually meets four times a year at the European Space Agency’s ESTEC site in the Netherlands. On this occasion one of the team was retiring so we met at her institute — Paris Observatory. Certainly, Read more…

By Gavin Ramsay, 7 monthsNovember 8, 2024 ago
Latest News

November Night Sky 2024

As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold, and the air grows crisp, autumn brings a special magic to the night sky. With longer nights and clearer views, this season is perfect for stargazing. Here are some highlights Read more…

By Lovisa Redpath, 7 monthsNovember 6, 2024 ago
Latest News

September 2024 Weather Round Up

COOL SEPTEMBER, DRIER AND MUCH SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory reports that September 2024 was cooler than average but drier and much sunnier.  It was the coolest September at Armagh for six years, the driest for four years, and the Read more…

By Mark Bailey, 8 monthsOctober 18, 2024 ago
Latest News

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium Captures Stunning Images of Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Comet

The Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) has successfully captured images of the Tsuchinshan-ATLAS comet, a rare celestial object making its closest approach to Earth for the first time in 80,000 years. This comet, named after its simultaneous discovery by the Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 8 monthsOctober 17, 2024 ago
History and Heritage

The Ellison Reflector 1912 

Rev. W.F.A. Ellison  Rev. William Frederick Archdall Ellison was the sixth Director of the Armagh Observatory and was appointed to the role on 15 October 1918. He would remain in this position until his death on 31 December 1936. During Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 8 monthsOctober 4, 2024 ago
Monthly Sky Notes

October Night Sky 2024

I’m writing this from the beautiful southwest coast of Türkiye, gazing up at the night sky. It’s the 26th of September, 9 PM, and the temperature is a perfect 24°C. From here, Polaris sits about 18 degrees lower on the Read more…

By Kerem Cubuk, 9 monthsSeptember 28, 2024 ago
Human Exploration

Animals in Space: The Unlikely Heroes of the Cosmos

When you think of space travel, you might think of images of rockets, astronauts in cool suits, and the shining stars in our skies, but did you know that before humans strapped themselves into rockets, we sent some unsuspecting animal Read more…

By Lovisa Redpath, 9 monthsSeptember 20, 2024 ago
Latest News

The inaugural meeting of the Astronomical Observatories of Ireland (AOI) Strategy Oversight Board

The inaugural meeting of the Astronomical Observatories of Ireland (AOI) Strategy Oversight Board took place on Monday 9 September at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium.  It marks the end of an important first year since the signing of a formal Memorandum Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 9 monthsSeptember 12, 2024 ago
Latest News

THREE ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM ASTRONOMERS ELECTED PRESIDENTS OF IAU COMMISSIONS

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) is proud to announce that three of its esteemed astronomers have been elected as Presidents of specialist Commissions within the International Astronomical Union (IAU) at the recent XXXII General Assembly held in Cape Town, South Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 9 monthsSeptember 11, 2024 ago
Latest News

AUGUST DRIER AND SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE WITH ROUGHLY AVERAGE TEMPERATURE. SUMMER 2024 COOLEST AT ARMAGH FOR NINE YEARS, DRIER AND SLIGHTLY DULLER THAN AVERAGE

Armagh Observatory reports that August 2024 was drier and sunnier than average with roughly average temperature for August.  Taking June, July and August together, the meteorological summer was cooler, drier, and slightly duller than average. With an average temperature of Read more…

By Mark Bailey, 9 months ago
Gavin Ramsay

Citizen science project identifies 20 new astronomical discoveries 

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. Read more…

By Gavin Ramsay, 10 months ago
Latest News

September Night Sky 2024

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 Read more…

By Nick Parke, 10 monthsAugust 20, 2024 ago
Latest News

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium Celebrates Team Members’ Selection for Mimi’s Space Adventure 

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. Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 10 monthsAugust 10, 2024 ago
Latest News

JULY COOLER, DRIER, AND DULLER THAN AVERAGE

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 Read more…

By Mark Bailey, 10 monthsAugust 9, 2024 ago
Monthly Sky Notes

August Night Sky 2024

So we’re heading for the end of the summer already and we here at the Planetarium can’t believe it – our favourite part of the year drawing to a close! While it can be quite hard to stargaze at this Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 11 monthsJuly 26, 2024 ago
Latest News

Infinite and Finite

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 Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 11 months ago
Latest News

COOLEST AND DRIEST JUNE FOR NINE YEARS, DULLER THAN AVERAGE

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 Read more…

By Mark Bailey, 11 monthsJuly 9, 2024 ago
Latest News

Appointment of Members to the Management Committee of the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium

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 Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 12 monthsJune 28, 2024 ago
Latest News

THE ROBOT EXHIBITION ARRIVES THIS SUMMER AT ARMAGH OBSERVATORY & PLANETARIUM

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 Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 12 months ago
July

July Night Sky 2024 

Stargazing will be a late night activity for July since the days will be brighter and longer during the summer. It’s a great activity for those who love camping and get a clear night for it. The stars will be Read more…

By Mark Grimley, 12 monthsJune 21, 2024 ago
Latest News

ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM SECURES FUNDING FROM UK SPACE AGENCY TO INSPIRE YOUNG MINDS IN STEM EDUCATION

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 Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 12 monthsJune 14, 2024 ago
Latest News

May Weather Round-Up 2024

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 Read more…

By Mark Bailey, 1 yearJune 13, 2024 ago
June

June Night Sky 2024

Night Sky June Summer is almost here so welcome back for another month of objects to look out for in the night sky, with some good weather (fingers crossed)! June has a few things for us to see, first thing Read more…

By Lovisa Redpath, 1 yearJune 1, 2024 ago
History and Heritage

Cabinets of Curiosity – New Exhibition at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium 

By Matthew McMahon- Museum Collections Officer  If you visit the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium this summer you will see our newest temporary exhibition, focused on some of the treasures held in our historic collection of scientific instruments and archives. Cabinets Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 1 yearMay 24, 2024 ago
Latest News

ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM RECEIVES UK-WIDE STEM ENGAGEMENT GRANT

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 Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 1 yearMay 8, 2024 ago
Press Releases

April 2024 Weather Round-Up

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 Read more…

By Mark Bailey, 1 yearMay 8, 2024 ago
Stars

May Night Sky

We completed a half orbit around the Sun since I wrote the November Night Sky. It felt like yesterday, but it has been 6 months ago. The time is cruel…  The days are already quite a bit longer and are Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 1 yearMay 1, 2024 ago
Latest News

Ec(h)o Exhibition comes to Armagh Observatory and Planetarium

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 Read more…

By Heather Alexander, 1 yearApril 20, 2024 ago
Press Releases

Digital Film Poem Screening at Armagh Planetarium starting 20th April

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 Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 1 year ago
Latest News

WET MARCH, WARMER AND DULLER THAN AVERAGE

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 Read more…

By Heather Alexander, 1 year ago
Our Galaxy

April Night Sky 2024

April, is that you? Jaysus you’re lookin’ well!  That’s right, can you believe it, we’re already in April. March was a bit of a crazy one, with some days feeling like all the seasons had been rolled into one. We’re Read more…

By Heather Alexander, 1 yearApril 1, 2024 ago
Latest News

February 2024 Weather in Armagh

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 Read more…

By Sinead Mackle, 1 yearMarch 11, 2024 ago
March

March Night Sky 2024

It really feels like we are settling in to 2024 at this point, and hopefully the year is going well for you so far! We are finally heading into the spring months, and hopefully the constant weather warnings will abate Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 1 year ago
Latest News

ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM ASTRONOMERS DISCOVER METAL SCAR ON CANNIBAL STAR

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 Read more…

By Heather Alexander, 1 yearFebruary 26, 2024 ago
Latest News

The Chronicles Of Armagh

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 Read more…

By Sinead Mackle, 1 year ago
Latest News

January 2024 Weather in Armagh

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 Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 1 yearFebruary 9, 2024 ago
February

February Night Sky 2024

Welcome to February, the shortest month of the year, but there is still plenty to see in the night sky. Over the last few weeks, the evenings have been getting a little brighter, which is nice for us, but it Read more…

By Mark Grimley, 1 yearFebruary 1, 2024 ago
Earth Satellites

ESA formally approves the LISA and EnVision space missions

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 Read more…

By Gavin Ramsay, 1 yearJanuary 27, 2024 ago
Latest News

December 2023 Weather in Armagh

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, Read more…

By Sinead Mackle, 1 yearJanuary 15, 2024 ago
January

January Night Sky

Happy new year stargazers!   I hope 2023 was a blast and I hope 2024 is even better!! We are still on the winter night sky, so that’s perfect, there is so much to see and definitely so much to Read more…

By Lovisa Redpath, 1 yearJanuary 4, 2024 ago
Latest News

ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM TRANSLATES POPULAR CHRISTMAS DOME SHOW INTO BRITISH AND IRISH SIGN LANGUAGE

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 Read more…

By Heather Alexander, 1 year ago
Latest News

NOVEMBER WARMER, SUNNIER AND DRIER THAN AVERAGE. AUTUMN 2023 MUCH WETTER, AND WARMER AND SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE

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 Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 1 yearDecember 15, 2023 ago
Other Galaxies

ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM AIDS GROUNDBREAKING BLACK HOLES DISCOVERY

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 Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 2 yearsDecember 8, 2023 ago
Latest News

Halley’s Comet through the Ages!

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 Read more…

By Apostolos Christou, 2 yearsDecember 5, 2023 ago
Monthly Sky Notes

December Night Sky 2023 

And so we come to the month that contains the shortest day of the year, the winter solstice. More exciting, you might think, is the fact that this month contains Christmas!!  There are many exciting things to see in the Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 2 yearsDecember 1, 2023 ago
Stars

Rogue star not heading for Solar System collision after all

Author Name: Thomas Howarth What you’ll discover in this blog post: What may happen if a star wanders too close to the Solar System How astronomers look for these incoming stars How astronomers of the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium used Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 2 yearsNovember 15, 2023 ago
Latest News

October 2023 weather in Armagh

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 Read more…

By Sinead Mackle, 2 years ago
Monthly Sky Notes

November Night Sky

Days are getting shorter Nights are getting colder If these shifts you savour You’re a true stargazer     I am writing this piece sitting next to a window, having a cup of coffee, and watching it pouring down outside. Not Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 2 years ago
Latest News

ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM’S PROFESSOR LOUISE HARRA RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS MEDAL AND PRIZE

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 Read more…

By Sinead Mackle, 2 years ago
Latest News

ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM SET TO LIVESTREAM ROYAL INSTITUTION’S WORLD-FAMOUS CHRISTMAS LECTURES

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 Read more…

By Sinead Mackle, 2 years ago
Latest News

September 2023 Weather in Armagh

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 Read more…

By Sinead Mackle, 2 years ago
Latest News

Cepheid Centenary and the Expanding Universe

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. Read more…

By Simon Jeffery, 2 yearsOctober 4, 2023 ago
Press Releases

October Night Sky

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 Read more…

By Nick Parke, 2 yearsOctober 1, 2023 ago
Latest News

ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM ANNOUNCES SERIES OF SPOOKY HALLOWEEN EVENTS

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 Read more…

By Sinead Mackle, 2 yearsSeptember 25, 2023 ago
Latest News

August 2023 Weather in Armagh

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 Read more…

By Sinead Mackle, 2 years ago
History and Heritage

UK WIDE ASTRONOMY CONFERENCE RETURNS TO ARMAGH BIRTHPLACE AFTER 15 YEARS

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 Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 2 years ago
Latest News

September Night Sky 2023

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 Read more…

By Sinead Mackle, 2 yearsSeptember 1, 2023 ago
Latest News

ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM LAUNCHES NEW INTERACTIVE OUTDOOR ACTIVITY  

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 Read more…

By Sinead Mackle, 2 yearsAugust 11, 2023 ago
Latest News

July 2023 Weather in Armagh

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 Read more…

By Sinead Mackle, 2 years ago
Latest News

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium set to livestream world famous CHRISTMAS LECTURES

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 Read more…

By Sinead Mackle, 2 years ago
Monthly Sky Notes

August Night Sky 2023

  This month will hopefully have pleasant weather and allow us to go stargazing at night. While the days are still long and less harsh than the winter months, it will be easier to see the stars later, when it Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 2 yearsAugust 4, 2023 ago
Latest News

ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM LAUNCHES BRITISH AND IRISH SIGN LANGUAGE ACCESSIBILITY DOME SHOWS

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) Read more…

By Sinead Mackle, 2 years ago
Latest News

June Weather Report 2023

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 Read more…

By Sinead Mackle, 2 years ago
Latest News

ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM SPEARHEADS GROUNDBREAKING STUDY OF MASSIVE STARS

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 Read more…

By Sinead Mackle, 2 yearsJuly 19, 2023 ago
Latest News

ESA’s Plato mission selects first patch of sky to observe

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 Read more…

By Sinead Mackle, 2 years ago
Latest News

GOTO Kilonova Seekers Citizen Science Project Launched

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 Read more…

By Sinead Mackle, 2 yearsJuly 12, 2023 ago
Latest News

ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM CELEBRATES AS ASTEROIDS ARE NAMED AFTER ASTRONOMERS

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 Read more…

By Sinead Mackle, 2 yearsJuly 10, 2023 ago
Latest News

PUPILS CELEBRATE GRADUATION FROM ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM’S INAUGURAL AFTER SCHOOL CLUB

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 Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 2 yearsJuly 5, 2023 ago
July

July Night Sky

Hopefully during this month we will have some nice, dry weather for stargazing and warmer evenings to do it with! As July have longer days, you will be well into the night before you will get to see anything in Read more…

By Lovisa Redpath, 2 yearsJuly 1, 2023 ago
Gavin Ramsay

ESA due to launch Euclid this weekend

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 Read more…

By Gavin Ramsay, 2 yearsJune 30, 2023 ago
Press Releases

WARM, DRY MAY, DULLER THAN AVERAGE. WETTEST SPRING FOR 21 YEARS, WARMEST FOR 6 YEARS AND DULLER THAN AVERAGE

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 Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 2 yearsJune 22, 2023 ago

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Welcome to Astronotes

Hello and welcome to Astronotes, the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s official blog. Here you will find the latest news and views from all those who work in our organisation, from the fascinating worlds of astronomy and space exploration. We hope you will come here to learn what is hot and exciting, profound or even weird from worlds beyond ours . So that's the introduction out of the way, now on with the Universe!

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