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…
By Marc Sarzi, AOP Head of Research In an age dominated by fast-paced but also dispersive and often incorrect communications, we are often exposed to misleading or irrelevant information. Obtaining reliable news and advice is particularly important today as we live through the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. For this 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…
By Bill Napier, AOP Visiting Astronomer A comet typically comprises about 50% fine dust embedded in a frozen matrix of water, methane, carbon dioxide and other organic compounds. Approaching the inner planetary system it begins to disintegrate, with fragments splitting off along with dust and gas. The fragments spread around 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…
Just released are first images and videos from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) – revealing unprecedented detail of the Sun’s surface, with experts saying it will enable a new era of solar science and a leap forward in understanding the Sun and its impacts 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…