The answer is possibly, after an international team of astronomers announced the discovery of a rare molecule, phosphine, in the clouds of Venus. Phosphine, which is a molecule made up of one phosphorus atom and three hydrogen atoms, is a gas only made industrially on Earth or by microbes that thrive Read more…
Galaxy is distorted, appearing as a ring of light in the sky. Astronomers using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), in which the European Southern Observatory (ESO) is a partner, have revealed an extremely distant and therefore very young galaxy that looks surprisingly like our Milky Way. The galaxy is Read more…
The Perseids meteor shower is one of the most spectacular annual meteor showers. Made of debris from comet Swift-Tuttle they have been observed by sky-watchers for thousands of years and this year the LIC1 camera of the Canary Long-Baseline Observatory (CILBO) at Tenerife captured the peak of the 2020 Perseid Read more…
Join UC Davis physics professor and the star of the large format film, SECRETS OF THE UNIVERSE, Manuel Calderón de la Barca Sánchez on a 45-minute Zoom journey of our own planet and universe to explore some of life’s biggest questions. The program will feature 3 to 5 short clips Read more…
Armagh Observatory & Planetarium inspiring the scientists of tomorrow Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s (AOP) hugely popular Science at Home series is set to be rolled out to schools through the creation of a new book and accompanying app. The programme, which is delivered via AOP’s social media platforms, guides young Read more…
DULLEST JUNE AT ARMAGH FOR EIGHT YEARS, WARMER AND SLIGHTLY WETTER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory reports that June 2020 was much duller than average, the dullest June for eight years and the sixth-dullest June on record at Armagh. It was also slightly wetter and warmer than average. Total precipitation was Read more…
The first asteroids discovered in the early 1800’s were named after Roman and Greek mythological figures like Ceres, Pallas, and Vesta. Today, most asteroids are named after people, both real and fictional, places, animals, plants, and other natural phenomena. The discoverers of asteroids are responsible for proposing the name however Read more…
The eROSITA telescope has provided a new, sharp view of hot and energetic processes across the Universe. The eROSITA X-ray telescope has completed its first full sweep of the sky. This new map of the hot, energetic universe contains more than one million objects, roughly doubling the number of known Read more…
Ireland’s entry into the space race is now at the testing phase. Preparatory testing for the space mission, EIRSAT-1, is taking place at the ESA’s Hertz antenna test chamber in Noordwijk, Holland. Educational Irish Research Satellite 1 is being built by students and staff of University College Dublin and Queens University Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium has donated a host of items from its café to the local Armagh Foodbank based in the Armagh Elim Church. With the doors of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium currently closed, the local attraction packed up food items to help members of the local community that may Read more…
After recent upgrades at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium we were left with a lot of decommissioned equipment and surplus items which was overwhelming storage capacity. However through the Invest NI Resource Matching service, International Synergies, we found avenues to re-purpose old equipment bringing positive social impact and avoided disposal costs. Read more…
RECORD-BREAKING MAY 2020: WARMER AND SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE, DRIEST AT ARMAGH FOR 29 YEARS. SUNNIEST SPRING FOR AT LEAST 140 YEARS AND DRIEST AT ARMAGH SINCE 1870. Armagh Observatory reports that May 2020 was warmer, sunnier and much drier than average. The meteorological spring (March, April and May) was the Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) have been working hard during the lockdown period keeping our followers engaged with fun and interesting videos, talks and information on the topic of science and astronomy. Alongside experiments parents and their children can do at home, bedtime stories and interviews with colleagues within AOP, Read more…
Astronomers using European Southern Observatory (ESO) telescopes have discovered giant spots on the surface of extremely hot stars hidden in stellar clusters. Not only are these stars plagued by magnetic spots, some also experience superflare events, explosions of energy several million times more energetic than similar eruptions on the Sun. Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium launches new interactive app previously used in the exhibition hall for the public to try! This latest technology will help you to bring the Moon into your home via an augmented reality app. The easy to use app allows you to bring the Moon Globe into Read more…
Armagh Observatory reports that April 2020 was much sunnier than average at Armagh, much warmer and much drier. This was the sunniest April at Armagh for 118 years, the second-sunniest April at Armagh since sunshine records began in 1880, and the equal fourth-warmest on record. Total precipitation was 16.6 mm Read more…
Martina Glass looks at the morning sky and what treats it has for us! For thousands of years people used the stars to tell stories, mark the changes in seasons and to help navigate, but even with today’s technological advances many people now know less than those early cultures did. Read more…
Today (Wed 22 April) is the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day and we have lots planned for you! Over on Facebook, Twitter and Instgram⏰10am: Space Fact⏰12noon: Earth Day inspired experiment⏰3pm: “Zula Patrol” kids film (Facebook Only)⏰5pm: Earth Day inspired craft activity⏰8pm: “Dynamic Earth” film narrated by Liam Neeson (Facebook Only) Read more…
Five things to look for during International Dark Sky Week With a remarkable drop in air-pollution during lockdown and warm weather forecasts, the astronomy experts at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium have shared what twinkling treats you can spot in the sky during International Dark Sky Week. Step out to the Read more…
Data has been collected daily through famine and world wars They have continued through famine and world wars and now staff at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) are determined the daily weather recordings which have been taken for over 200 years will not fall foul to the Covid-19 pandemic. Meteorological Read more…
COOL MARCH, SUNNIER AND DRIER THAN AVERAGE. EXCEPTIONAL HIGH PRESSURE ON THE 29TH Armagh Observatory reports that March 2020 was cool, sunnier and drier than average. The highest pressure recorded during the late morning of the 29th March, namely 1050.0 mbar (corrected to mean sea level), equalled or nearly equalled Read more…
With millions of people across Europe in lockdown, the corresponding drop in traffic and industrial activity across the continent has led to a remarkable drop in air-pollution. In 2017, Armagh city had the unenviable title of Northern Ireland’s most polluted city. However, data from DAERA taken on Wednesday April 1 Read more…
Fun and safe experiments for children as schools close We have had some of the biggest names in showbiz keeping us entertained with virtual concerts, now Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) are ensuring that learning in a fun way continues for children as schools across Northern Ireland close from today Read more…
March 2020: The clocks go forward on Sunday for what could be the penultimate British Summer Time (BST) observed on the island of Ireland. The European Parliament has voted to scrap daylight saving time (the practise of moving the clocks forward one hour during the summer months) from the end Read more…
SECOND-WETTEST FEBRUARY ON RECORD AT ARMAGH, MILDER AND SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE. WINTER 2019/2020 WETTER, WARMER AND SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory reports that February 2020 was very wet, the wettest February at Armagh for 30 years and the second-wettest February on record at Armagh. It was also milder and sunnier Read more…
VERY MILD, DRY JANUARY, ROUGHLY AVERAGE SUNSHINE Armagh Observatory reports that January 2020 was very mild, much drier than average and with roughly average sunshine. This was the warmest January at Armagh for eight years, that is, since January 2012. Total precipitation was 38.65 mm (1.52 inches) including 9 trace Read more…
Get starry-eyed at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium Book Tickets Here A Valentine’s Day trip to Armagh Observatory and Planetarium will show the special person in your life that you love them to the stars and back. As the trend for experiential gifts continues to rise, especially among social media users Read more…
New dome show “Explore” will launch on Monday 17 February at 2pm. Get your tickets in advance now by clicking here. Explore is the story of humanity’s fascination with the stars — from ancient stargazers and astrologers to the breakthrough discoveries of Nicolaus Copernicus and Johannes Kepler. In particular, today’s Read more…
DECEMBER 2019 WARMER AND SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE WITH SLIGHTLY LESS RAINFALL. CALENDAR YEAR 2019 WARMER, SLIGHTLY WETTER, AND DULLER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory reports that December 2019 was warmer and sunnier than average and with slightly less rainfall. Taken as a whole, calendar year 2019 at Armagh was warmer and Read more…
It’s blast off for Christmas at Armagh Observatory & Planetarium New date added as over 1,000 children enjoy Mission Santa show Mission Santa show has proved so popular that we have had to add another date to this magical family event. Over 1000 children have already met Santa Claus during Read more…
We were delighted to welcome Prof. Monica Grady to Armagh Observatory and Planetarium as part of the Robinson Lecture on Wednesday 27 November 2019. Monica, a Professor of Planetary and Space Sciences at the Open University, is best known for her work on meteorites and with the ESA Rosetta spacecraft Read more…
COOL, DAMP NOVEMBER, SLIGHTLY LESS SUNNY THAN AVERAGE. AUTUMN COOLER AND A LITTLE SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE, WITH ABOUT AVERAGE RAINFALL Armagh Observatory, 5th December 2019. Armagh Observatory reports that November 2019 was cooler, wetter and slightly less sunny than average. This was the coolest November at Armagh for three years Read more…
SUNNIEST OCTOBER AT ARMAGH FOR ELEVEN YEARS, COOLEST FOR SEVEN YEARS, DRIER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory, 23rd November 2019: Armagh Observatory reports that October 2019 was sunnier, drier and cooler than average. This was the sunniest October at Armagh for eleven years and the coolest for seven years. The mean Read more…
Our Christmas Opening Hours: Closed: Tuesday 24 – Friday 27 Dec, Sun 29 Dec 2019 and Wednesday 1 January 2020 To book tickets for our Show Programme over the Christmas holidays click here
Follow the Christmas Star during a tour of Armagh Observatory and Astropark on Saturday 30 November. Tickets here. The Observatory building, the Human Orrery and the Astropark are included as part of the tour. You will hear about the Observatory’s history, its current scientific research and its programmes of Science. Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium have announced new interactive Junior Cycle modules based on Earth and Space and the Physical World. Delivered by a highly trained education team, the inspirational journey aims to inspire the next generation into STEM related subjects. Professor Michael Burton said, “Our new programme for the Junior Read more…
For the first time ever Santa is coming to Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, but it’s a real Code Red! Due to demand we have added an extra date – Friday 20 December. Tickets available here Join our E.L.F. crew on Mission Santa and blast off on a brand new Christmas Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium are marking Universal Children’s Day by holding an after school event on Wednesday 20 November when we will open our facility for free workshops. Find out how to make an electrical circuit using play dough, make a paper rocket and watch it blast off, land on the Read more…
Prof. Monica Grady is the special guest speaker at the AOP Robinson Lecture and StarTracker night on Wednesday 27 November. We are open 6.30pm-9pm on Wed 27 Nov and tickets are available here. Monica, a Professor of Planetary and Space Sciences at the Open University, is best known for her Read more…
Over 100 people arrived at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium on Monday 11 November to view the Transit of Mercury through our telescopes, including our world-famous Grubb telescope. With special kit for Solar observing our staff and students enthusiastically greeted the crowds of public visitors and school children in attendance. With Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium launched a brand new dome show “Unseen Universe” on Tuesday 22 October. The show which features the first image of a black hole ever captured has been made in association with European Southern Observatory (ESO) and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. It explores the Universe Read more…
MILD, WET SEPTEMBER WITH ABOUT AVERAGE SUNSHINE Armagh Observatory, 1st October 2019: Armagh Observatory reports that September 2019 was warmer and wetter than average, with about average sunshine. This was the sunniest September at Armagh for four years, the warmest for three years and the wettest for two years. The Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium are celebrating after picking up the “Best Day Out” award at the 2019 NI Hospitality Awards. The awards, which took place in the Crowne Plaza, Belfast on Monday 23 September were attended by over 300 people within the tourism and hospitality sector. The category of ‘Best Day Out’ was one Read more…
SUNNIEST AUGUST FOR 16 YEARS, WARMEST FOR 6 YEARS AND WETTEST FOR 5 YEARS. SUMMER 2019 WAS THE WETTEST FOR 7 YEARS, WARMER THAN AVERAGE AND WITH ABOUT AVERAGE SUNSHINE. Armagh Observatory, 10th September 2019: Armagh Observatory reports that August 2019 was sunnier, warmer and wetter than average, the sunniest August Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium are delighted to announce that we are now a JAM Card friendly facility. The Just A Minute (JAM) Card is a pioneering initiative developed by the NOW Group, a social enterprise supporting people with learning difficulties and autism. In the style of a credit card, the Read more…
The Armagh Observatory & Planetarium welcomed Moira Doherty, Deputy Permanent Secretary and Paul Gamble, Head of Museums and Libraries Branch, from the Department for Communities (DfC), on Tuesday 10th September 2019. Following a tour of the historic Grade A listed Observatory building, Moira and Paul were updated on the future plans Read more…
The summer has come to an end and what a summer it has been with all the celebrations for the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing. With the schools back our term time dome show programme has begun. Little Yellow Star toddler show makes a welcome return as Read more…
AOP were very proud to have hosted the Irish National Astronomy Meeting or INAM which ran from the 4th to the 6th of September. Since 1974, the INAM or annual meeting of the Astronomical Science Group of Ireland (ASGI) as it was originally called, aims to encourage collaboration in astronomy and astrophysics and Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium has been awarded Practitioner status of gender equality as part of the Institute of Physics’ Project Juno initiative. Project Juno aims to address the long-standing issue of women being under-represented in physics by recognising and rewarding actions to address the issue and embed better working practices Read more…
Professor Garret Cotter is an astronomer at the University of Oxford. With family roots near Birr, he was inspired by the Rosse Telescope from a very young age and then, growing up in Kilkeel, he had his first experience of professional astronomy doing work experience at Armagh Observatory in the 1980’s. He Read more…
New moon logo marks launch of Armagh Observatory & Planetarium’s ‘One Giant Leap’ Summer Programme celebrating 50 years since the Apollo 11 lunar landing Armagh Observatory & Planetarium announced the winners of their Logo Moon Competition which saw young aspiring astronauts of all ages create a new moon-themed design to Read more…
Armagh to host Moon-landing weekend spectacular on July 20-21 Cathedral City to showcase Luke Jerram’s giant-sized lunar sculpture at special two-day ‘Museum of the Moon’ festival event on the Mall next month Armagh has joined an elite group of cities across the world to host artist Luke Jerram’s giant-sized spherical, Read more…
Armagh Observatory & Planetarium launches major event programme to mark 50 years since Apollo moon landing Armagh Observatory and Planetarium starts official count down to new ‘One Giant Leap’ summer programme of events to mark man’s pioneering space adventure Mankind’s first foray into the cosmos will be celebrated in Northern Read more…
Armagh Observatory & Planetarium welcomes DfC Permanent Secretary Tracy Meharg The Armagh Observatory & Planetarium welcomed Tracy Meharg, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Communities, (DfC) on Wednesday 22nd May to update her on ambitious future plans and current programmes. Following a tour of the historic Grade A listed Observatory Read more…