By Matthew McMahon (Museum Collections Officer) and Malcolm McCleery (Volunteer Researcher) Curators and Historians are not meant to have favorites. Like good parents or carers (the root of the word curator is to care after all), we are meant to love all our charges equally, from the oldest manuscripts to Read more
The European Space Agency’s Plato spacecraft has safely arrived at ESTEC, ESA’s technical heart in the Netherlands. There, engineers will complete the spacecraft by connecting its solar panels and sunshield, and carry out a series of critical tests to confirm that Plato is fit for launch and ready for its planet-hunting Read more
AUGUST 2025 MUCH WARMER THAN AVERAGE AT ARMAGH, SUNNIER AND MUCH DRIER. EQUAL WARMEST SUMMER ON RECORD AT ARMAGH, DRIER THAN AVERAGE BUT WITH AVERAGE SUNSHINE Armagh Observatory, 8th September 2025: Armagh Observatory reports that August 2025 at Armagh was much warmer than average, and sunnier and much drier than Read more
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium marked a remarkable milestone this week, 230 years of daily weather observations, with readings taken every single day since 14 July 1795. To celebrate the occasion, the Observatory hosted a special gathering at its historic meteorological enclosure (“MET cage”) on Monday 14 July at 10 am, followed Read more
Embargoed Until: 01 July 2025 (Provisional) – Final Date TBC The Kilonova Seekers Project is approaching its two-year anniversary of inviting members of the public to analyse near real-time data collected from the Gravitational-wave Optical Transient Observer (GOTO) project. This project takes all-sky survey images of space from two arrays Read more
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is launching a brand-new interactive experience this summer — the Stellar Science Lab Exhibition — opening on Tuesday 24 June and running through to the end of August 2025. Perfect for curious minds of all ages, this hands-on exhibition invites visitors to explore the wonders of Read more
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 May on record at Armagh. Also, following the record-breaking warm Read more
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 at the forefront of STEM engagement in the region, coordinating Read more
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 Matthew McMahon. Published by Springer Praxis, the book honours the Read more
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 the Vaisala digital thermometer. This figure exceeds all previous maximum Read more
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 of his castle in the town of Birr, County Offaly. Read more
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, NASA and ESA launched the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), a Read more
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, County Offaly, between 1845 and 1866 using the Great Telescope, Read more
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 a greater or lesser degree this 2024/2025 storm season to Read more
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 temperature was 7.0 C (44.7 F), approximately 2.4 C warmer Read more
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 generation of scientists and historians. His association with astronomy, and Read more
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 ceremony was part of the ASDC Conference at The Royal Read more
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. The programme will also be available after broadcast on the Read more
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 usually a wet month, this year it produced only 44.2 Read more
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 Purple Mountain Observatory in China and the ATLAS astronomical survey, Read more
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 of Understanding between the partners in September 2023. The Astronomical Read more
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 Africa. This marks a historic occasion for both the IAU Read more
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 15.46 degrees Celsius (59.8 Fahrenheit) August 2024 was 0.83 C Read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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