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…
As a long-standing Arts & Humanities student, it’s typically assumed that we don’t have much of an interest in or know much about science (and attending the fascinating and complex student discussions here at the AOP certainly didn’t disprove the latter theory in my case!). However, when the opportunity cropped Read more…
Astronomy, and I’m sure you’d agree, is the most wonderous science of all. You are dealing with, literally, the biggest questions in the Universe from “how was the Universe formed?” to “Is there other life out there?”, but it is also, arguably, the easiest science to do yourself. If you Read more…
Welcome to March! How did we get here, sure Christmas was only last week right? The start of March marks meteorological Spring, and the end of the month will mark astronomical Spring. The days are getting longer, and the nights are getting shorter. You would probably agree that we all Read more…
Education team members ‘Stay Curious’ during lockdown Five members of the education team at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) have given up almost four months of their own time to learn sign language to ensure members of the deaf community can enjoy an-out-of-this-world experience when the centre re-opens. Courtney Allison, Read more…
The Armagh Observatory, as it sits nestled in trees on a hill, has an air of history about it. The building has been home, workplace and sanctum to directors, their families, astronomers, staff of all stripes and students over its ongoing history. The history of AOP now resides in our ever-expanding collection Read more…
A breakthrough in deciphering birth of supermassive black holes – astronomers zoom in on black hole with one of the lowest masses ever observed in nearby “ghost” galaxy. A research team led by Cardiff University scientists say they are closer to understanding how a supermassive black hole (SMBH) is born thanks Read more…
Need some space? In case you haven’t heard our news, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium now has a podcast; Intergalactic Craic! We will cover all your favourite astronomy topics, space news, and we will have interviews and Q&As with astronomers from our very own Observatory – all with a bit of Read more…
Friday 26th June is Digital Takeover Day and we want children and young people to takeover our blog. What do you have to do? Write about which planet in our solar system is your favourite one and why! You can write about any reasons why you love the planet – Read more…
Article by Professor Michael Burton, Director of the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium July 20, 2019 marks 50 years from the day Neil Armstrong stepped onto the Moon, humanity’s first foot steps on another world. As much an awe inspiring feat then as it remains today. Indeed, despite the revolution in Read more…
There’s lots to look forward to in the Month of May: the evenings are brighter, there’s the promise of good weather and most importantly – not one, but two bank holiday weekends! There’s also lots to look forward to and look out for in May’s night sky. There’s the chance Read more…
While you may be familiar with black holes from sci-fi and many artists’ renditions of the phenomenon, our first actual view of the event horizon of the supermassive black hole which is at the centre of a neighbouring galaxy, Messier 87, was released 4 weeks ago to the day. What Read more…
In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of The Bovedy Meteorite falling in Northern Ireland on Friday 25th April 1969, Artist Noel Connor has compiled some thoughts and reflections on his experience with Bovedy. The sky always seemed low over our street in Andersonstown, with the Black Mountain looming behind the Read more…
To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of The Bovedy Meteorite falling in Northern Ireland, some of The Education Team at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium have written pieces about their favourite meteorites and craters from across the globe. The Mysterious Mbozi by Helen McLoughlin The Mbozi meteorite is the eighth largest meteorite Read more…
It’s the beginning of a new month, filled with new exciting events in the night sky. Here is a brief summary of what to expect in the next few weeks.
July 20 1969 saw, arguably, the most famous event in all of human history when Neil Armstrong stepped onto the surface of the Moon and left his footprints there – a mark still indelibly framed in the lunar dust today, some 49 years later. It may seem almost as incredible that it is indeed nearly half a century ago that this epochal event occurred, one that united all of humanity for a short while, as we stared at that yellow orb in our night skies to know that one of our species was walking on it surface.
This summer experience our world and beyond as you sit back and relax in the Planetarium’s 360-degree dome theatre. With six different shows running Monday-Saturday throughout July and August there is so much to choose from, including a brand new film.
Article written by: Professor Michael Burton, Director of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium The city of Armagh lays claim to a remarkable history that belies its small size. A history stretching from the neolithic era, and the mythology of Emain Macha (the ancient capital of Ulster), through the City’s Christian foundation Read more…
Some good news folks! If you fancy a few free ‘sparklers’ to get you celebrating, you could fill a bag with the number of fabulous looking stars that will appear their prettiest again this month against the darkest seasonal drape of the year as it stretches in all directions above Read more…
October is over, and November is now upon us. The days are definitely getting colder, the night are definitely longer, which means the time for gazing into the night sky is now! One of the best things about November is the fact that there is not one, but two meteor Read more…
On Aug 14th 2017 LIGO and the Virgo Gravitational Wave detectors based in the USA and Italy detected the fourth merging Black Hole event. This was a triumph for both groups, but especially the Virgo group which had only started taking regular data earlier that month. It did leave many Read more…
The Sun is a constant presence in everyday life from rising in the morning signifying the beginning of the day, to setting at night representing the time to rest. With the human race ever more dependent on technology it is important to monitor solar activity and the potential harm it Read more…
As the summer draws to a close September is a perfect time for stargazing before the cold nights of winter finally creep in. With sunset around 9pm and a forecasted heatwave, fingers crossed for some clear skies with some lovely mild temperatures. A key feature of the summer night sky Read more…
It’s that time of the year again for the third annual Northern Ireland Science Festival and this year is bigger and better! The Armagh planetarium has been holding events under NISF from the beginning so we could not miss the opportunity to be part of this inspiring event. We Read more…
1 September 2016 saw the first full meeting of all of the staff of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. We are looking forward to carrying Armagh’s impressive heritage of astronomical research and public education forward into an exciting future together! You can follow AOP’s work through our websites and Read more…
We are delighted to welcome Michael G. Burton as Director of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. Professor Burton is an internationally renowned researcher who specialises in using infrared and millimetre-wave astronomy to study how stars form in the interstellar medium (the tenuous matter between the stars in our galaxy, the Read more…
Pokémon Go has taken the world by storm; it seems that everyone is playing it. If you see someone walking in circles with their head down and looking at their phone, you know they’re on the game…and maybe part of you wants to rush over and see what they’ve found. Read more…
In March 2016, Armagh Planetarium debuted a new workshop for schools ‘Robotics in Space’. This interactive workshop highlighted the roles of robots and robotics in space missions, discussed what robots are currently in space as well as how can they be programmed and controlled. This new workshop was made possible Read more…
Picking books for children can be difficult, not only are we adults battling with TV, game consoles, tablets and toys, it’s hard to fit the old-fashioned entertainment of a book into a child’s life. There’s no doubt children have a great imagination and at a young age nothing is impossible Read more…
In 2015 Armagh Planetarium’s website (including Astronotes) received well over 2.6 million page views (and over 75 million web hits*) from all over the world. It seems we’re doing something right! But what were all these people coming to see? Here are the 20 most viewed Astronotes articles of 2015 Read more…
For anyone who is not feeling the Christmas spirit yet this Christmas, Armagh Planetarium is definitely the place you will find it! We held our 5th annual Christmas Card Competition this year at Armagh Planetarium and we were astounded by the response from the schools across Northern Ireland and beyond! Read more…
With Christmas only around the corner, finding the perfect gift for loved ones may be on the to-do list. So find below a list of gifts available to purchase from the Planetarium’s gift shop right here in Armagh. Why not go a little out of this world to find the Read more…
After entering the Twittersphere in 2010 Armagh Planetarium’s online presence has grown over the past few years encompassing the Astronotes blog and Facebook accounts. We at Armagh Planetarium have also recently launched a Pinterest account for you to follow or seek inspiration from. If you are not a Read more…
In July 2015 Belfast Met opened its doors to budding astronauts, pilots and app geniuses with a new series of STEM summer camps. The free activity camps took place at Titanic Quarter Campus for over 16’s interested in fun experiments involving cosmology, aerospace science and ICT technologies. Space Camp Read more…
My relationship with Tom Mason nearly got off to a rocky start when I thought I was going to have to throw him out of his own planetarium! Once upon a time when the world was young, I didn’t actually work here in the Planetarium. Back then I was Read more…
Would you like to discover more about the night sky? Stargazing the Night Sky is a short and very informal course is for complete beginners who want to know more about the wonders of the cosmos. The course takes a season by season look at the stars in their Read more…
In association with BBC Stargazing Live 2015 and the Northern Ireland Amateur Astronomical Society (NIAAS) Armagh Planetarium is opening its doors for a free open evening on Tuesday 24th of March 2015. We will be open from 7pm-9pm with a screening of our Digital Theatre show “Beyond the Blue: Read more…
If you’ve ever looked up at a sky full of stars and wondered just what else is out there then you might want to come to Ballyhackamore Public Library on 23 March 2015. The library will be hosting me for a public talk suitable for ages 10 to Read more…
The Universe is shrouded in mystery yet through the Centuries, mankind has slowly unravelled many of its dark secrets. Mark Thompson: Stargazer reveals the hidden nature of the Universe, brought to life with mind-blowing demonstrations. Best known for co-presenting the BBC’s popular, Stargazing LIVE, Mark Thompson is sought Read more…
Every child at some stage dreams of reaching the stars and sadly as we grow up the reality of becoming an astronaut often disappears as it seems to become unreachable. Well teachers across the country unite and let’s give the children in your classroom the tools to make their dreams Read more…
In 2014 Armagh Planetarium’s website (including Astronotes) received well over 1 million page views from all over the world. What were all these people coming to see? Here are the 10 most viewed Astronotes articles of 2014. 1. The Truth About the Black Knight Satellite Mystery 2. 8 Read more…
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. All of our entries for our 2014 Christmas Card competition are up on display at the Planetarium for all to enjoy over December. This competition now in its fourth year continues to delight and impress visitors as they step into Christmas. Hundreds Read more…
For my Top 10 Space Themed Christmas Present List this year I wanted to compile a list of unique gifts for children. These are items that Santa would have to plan getting in advance of the big day arriving! So let’s begin our countdown of the top 10 unique space Read more…
“Encouraging school children to enter the world of aerospace, engineering and science” This is the motto for the Aerospace Youth Rocketry Challenge which takes place across the globe. The prize, if you accept the challenge, is an all-expenses paid trip to Paris and Toulouse for the final fly-off against teams from Read more…
The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure’s “Creativity Month” is an annual celebration which takes place each March. It inspires creative and collaboration amongst many industries from theatre to astronomy! Throughout the month of March there are exciting events and workshops aimed at stimulating new thinking to help artistic people, Read more…
Chris Hadfield needs no introduction. The Canadian astronaut is one of the most famous people in the world, and during his time commanding the International Space Station was undoubtedly the most famous person off-world. On 12 January 2014 Armagh Planetarium was honoured by a visit from this legendary space traveller, Read more…
Teachers from across Northern Ireland have come together to learn how to build and launch their own rockets. It’s all part of an initiative deriving from a new ‘Space Science Technology’ qualification developed by local exams body, the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA). According to Read more…
Armagh Planetarium’s Christmas card competition has been going from strength to strength. Now in its third year, we have once again been overwhelmed by the number of entries, the creativeness and talent that has been displayed. Mixing the theme of space and Christmas we have had Santa giving present to Read more…
Mission X: Train Like an Astronaut is an international educational challenge focusing on fitness and nutrition encouraging students to “train like an astronaut.” The six week challenge which runs from January-March 2014, uses the excitement of space exploration and astronaut training to challenge, inspire, and educate kids to set physical Read more…
So, last year I compiled a top 10 list of the best Space/Astronomy gifts which you can view by clicking here. I was so looking forward to receiving my Sheldon bobble head but it looks like those close to me did not take the hint! So this year I have Read more…
Armagh Planetarium hosted an amazing week-long live theatre performance of the Dragons of Azrael in conjunction with the Department of Culture, Arts and leisure’s Creativity Month. Creativity month is an annual event which runs throughout March. Its main aim is to stimulate new thinking and new collaborations to help creative Read more…
We live in an age when dazzling astronomical imagery is everywhere. We are privileged to have immediate access to close ups of the worlds of the Solar System thanks to interplanetary probes and stunning panoramas of nebula and galaxies thanks to hi-tech observatories. But to experience and to feel completely Read more…
On the weekend of the 14and 15 of July 2012 we held a pinhole photography event. This was led by the world renowned pinhole photographer Justin Quinnell. Justin has been teaching and practicing pinhole photography for twenty years and is a published author with his images appearing in feature films, Read more…
This year we at Armagh Planetarium held our Christmas Card competition for the second year running and were overwhelmed with the number of outstanding designs mixing the themes of Christmas with space and astronomy. In total we had 1450 entries from 52 different schools. Our judges decided to divide Read more…
The world-wide community of stargazers has been saddened by the passing of one of its great characters. Patrick Moore was a hugely popular figure whose many books, television appearances and talks inspired generations of young people into pursuing astronomy as a hobby or a profession. Patrick Alfred Caldwell-Moore was born Read more…
Imagine you’re one of the crew on the first mission to Mars. Stepping on the Red Planet for the first time is the adventure of a life time and you’re raring to go. But there’s a problem, the journey lasts nine months. Nine months sealed in tin can! What are Read more…
Sleigh bells ring are you listening, Have yourself a Merry little Christmas, It’s the most wonderful time of the year….It sounds like it is getting close to Christmas so get your hot mulled wine and some Quality Street choccies at the ready as you sit back and take in our Read more…
Something dramatic happened in our skies on Friday evening.I missed seeing it myself so I’m quite green with envy of the reports from eye witnesses of spectacular fireballs racing through the night. So what were these bright balls of light?From collated reports this sight is thought to have been Read more…
Once, about four billion years ago, an asteroid about a kilometre and a half across fell on our Moon. The huge chunk of rock and iron smashed into our satellite’s central highlands on the nearside, its fall unwitnessed by the brooding, lifeless Earth, looming large in the ancient lunar sky. Read more…
Armagh Planetarium’s great balloon race has ended. The results are in and they have been checked and verified. There were balloon reports on the Cathedral Road, the Battleford Road and a balloon was found on the Pearse Og Football field in Armagh. We even had an email that one was Read more…
Discover Science and Engineering is calling for all national primary schools to register for the Discover Primary Science and Maths, Award Of Science & Maths Excellences. The Discover Primary Science and Maths programme recognises the achievements of primary school children and teachers in the application of science and maths. Read more…
After last year’s success, BBC2’s Stargazing Live returned to our screens this month for another three nights of astronomy wonders. Holding the reins again were the charismatic Professor Brian Cox and his side-kick comedian Dara O’Briain, who actually happens to be a physicist as well! To coincide with the television Read more…
After their successful Invasion at the beginning of the summer, the Emerald Garrison are returning to Armagh Planetarium to end the summer programme on the weekend of the 27th and 28th of August. Dress up in your own Star Wars costumes and have your lightsabers at the ready as we Read more…
Our Place in the Universe is an astronomy course for those who want to know more about this fascinating subject. Over ten weeks you can take the first steps to understand the mysteries of the Cosmos. In September I will be once again presenting my popular beginner’s astronomy course. Entitled Read more…
Have you ever wondered how to build a solid fuel space rocket? Have you ever wanted to witness a rocket launch? If the answer is yes, then Armagh Planetarium is the place to be on 30 and 31 July 2011 as we blast-off into a fun-filled weekend of rockets. Rocket Read more…
Armagh Planetarium is the place to be this summer with activities and theatre shows which are ‘out of this world’. In the Planetarium’s amazing new Digistar 4 Digital Theatre you can relax and experience Earth and beyond. Each show is a memorable experience and with a brand new line-up there Read more…
Ice Worlds, one of Armagh Planetarium’s Digital Theatre shows for Summer 2011, is a thrilling tour through space and time showcasing some of the most beautiful and chilly regions of the Solar System. What can audiences expect from this spectacular experience? Ice is everywhere. Of the worlds in our Solar Read more…
Digistar 4 is Armagh Planetarium’s fantastic new projection system. First in the UK to install Digistar 4, Armagh Planetarium is showcasing latest theatre technology and dazzling audiences who experience the Universe as brighter and sharper than ever before. Armagh Planetarium is leading the way in the digital theatre world with Read more…
St. Patrick’s Academy in Dungannon is a school with both an Astronomy Society and its own observatory! On 15 June the school will be hosting a public astronomical event suitable for all ages. St. Patrick’s Academy Astronomy Society presents ‘What’s Out There?’ a talk by Colin Johnston from the Armagh Read more…
Maths-it is rocket science is a exciting course aimed at teachers of primary age children we’re presenting at Armagh Planetarium this summer. We will show teachers how to bring the wonders of the Universe into the classroom! Armagh Planetarium is pleased to announce ‘Maths – It Is Rocket Science’, a Read more…
Carnival of Space is the regular collection of the best blogs on space and astronomy. If want to know more, come to the Carnival! Every week, a different site or blog plays hosts the Carnival and shows off the latest articles and news written on astronomy and space exploration. Carnival Read more…
Cosmic Cuilagh is an exciting weekend of free astronomical events coming in 12-13 March 2011 at Fermanagh’s Marble Arch Caves Geopark. Sinead McNicholl has the details. The Marble Arch Caves Geopark, located in the rugged mountainous uplands and gently rolling lowlands of counties Fermanagh and Cavan, is the place to Read more…
Armagh Planetarium kicked off 2011 in style with some amazing astronomy-based events in association with the BBC. Sinead McNicholl has a personal report of our part in the exciting Stargazing Live project. BBC Stargazing Live was a three day live astronomy event broadcast on BBC2 and was presented by Professor Read more…
In this first week of 2011, BBC Two is presenting three nights of extraordinary astronomical events and the team at Armagh Planetarium is joining in the fun with our own exciting contributions. Here is what is in store for the nation’s astronomers. Hosted by Professor Brian Cox (science advisor to Read more…
It’s that crazy time of year again, with dark nights, frosty roads, and late night shopping, to accommodate our frantic Christmas shopping sprees. So for anyone stumped for what to get that amateur astronomer or sci-fi fan friend or loved one, look no further. I have been searching the internet Read more…
To get the latest on space and astronomy go to Carnival of Space. Every week, the host website introduces the latest and most exciting articles written about stars, planets and space exploration. This week’s Carnival is presented by the cute and cuddly Starry Critters. You can go straight to the Read more…
Carnival of Space, the regular and vital guide to space and astronomy blogs is hosted by a different site every week. If you’re interested in everything beyond the Earth’s atmosphere, you can’t afford to miss it! This week the Carnival is hosted by Weird Sciences and you can go straight Read more…
Carnival of Space is a great resource for finding what’s hot in space and astronomy. Each week, a different blogger plays host to the carnival, introducing the latest articles written about stars, planets and space exploration. This week’s Carnival is hosted by the excellent We Are All in the Gutter Read more…
Spacebrains is our new and incredibly addictive astronomy quiz app for iPads/Pods/Phones. What is more, it’s completely free from the iTunes Store! It’s strange how you wait years for an exciting free astronomy app for your iPod/Pad/Phone from Armagh Planetarium and then two of them show up in a fortnight. Read more…
Armagh Planetarium has launched ‘Pocket Sky’, a new app for iPhone, iPad and iPodTouch available for free from the iTunes store. This app is a result of collaboration between Dr. Tom Mason, Director of Armagh Planetarium and Mr John Kennedy of Craic Design. This fantastic new app is a baby Read more…
There is a new Carnival of Space ready to dazzle you with wonderful space and astronomy blogs from the furthest reaches of the World Wide Web. This week the Carnival is hosted by David Portree at his ever-fascinating Beyond Apollo site. Go on over there and explore. you won’t regret Read more…
If you love great articles on space and astronomy you are probably already following the Carnival of Space. If you aren’t familiar with the Carnival, it’s a regular round up of links to the most exciting blog posts about outer space. It’s a great guide to what’s going on beyond Read more…
Armagh Planetarium is the oldest functioning planetarium in the UK. Sited in the historic city of Armagh, our mission is “To advance and promote the knowledge and understanding of astronomy and related sciences” and we’ve been doing this since 1968. You can discover more about us by exploring the Planetarium’s Read more…