Armagh Observatory reports that June 2022 was drier, warmer and duller than average. Total precipitation was 56.1 mm (2.21 inches), including 6 trace values, that is, 55.8 mm (2.20 inches) if trace values are ignored. This was approximately 88% of the 183-year long-term (1838-2020) June precipitation at Armagh (63.7 mm) and Read more…
A super spectacle is happening in the night sky from this evening and won’t be seen again until 2040. The five planets — known as “naked eye planets” because they can be seen without the use of binoculars or telescopes — are Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. They will Read more…
Visitors to Armagh Observatory and Planetarium this weekend were treated to the arrival of dozens of prehistoric toy brick dinosaurs. This is the first time the Brickosaurs! Evolution has been showcased in Northern Ireland with over 20 species within the Jurassic scale display in place until 31st July 2022. The Read more…
WARMER, DULLER AND SLIGHTLY WETTER THAN AVERAGE. SPRING 2022 WARMER, SUNNIER AND DRIER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory reports that May 2022 was warmer, duller and slightly wetter than average. Taking March, April and May together, the meteorological spring was warmer, sunnier, and drier than average. The observed mean temperature was Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium was among the winners at the recent Northern Ireland Hospitality Awards 2022, receiving Highly Commended for Family Venue of the Year. Voted for by the public, the aim of the awards is to celebrate those who contribute to making Northern Ireland a top destination and is Read more…
Returning for the first time since the pandemic, the International Astronomical Union hosted IAU Symposium 361: Massive Stars Near and Far; in the Slieve Russell; with Armagh Observatory and Planetarium taking part in the research discussions and educational outreach. This international conference bought together over 230 observational and theoretical astrophysicists Read more…
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 range of Boardroom Apprentices to take a Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium has teamed up with Disney and Pixar to celebrate the science that inspired the movie “Lightyear”. The new movie is the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear, the hero who inspired the toy. It follows the legendary Space Ranger after he’s marooned on a hostile planet Read more…
Astronomers using a network of radio telescopes across the entire planet have finally been able to take the first picture of the supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way. Members of the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium were present to hear this news live. Commenting from Read more…
APRIL DRIER AND SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE WITH ROUGHLY AVERAGE TEMPERATURE Armagh Observatory reports that April 2022 was drier and sunnier than average and with roughly average temperature. This was the fourth April in a row with average or lower-than-average precipitation. Although sunnier than average it was much less sunny than Read more…
The International Astronomical Union’s Commission for World Heritage has undertaken a study tour of the three historic Irish astronomical observatories at Armagh, Birr in Co Offlay and Dunsink in Dublin in order to consider their potential for nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status. The concept of World Heritage is important Read more…
RECORD-BREAKING MARCH: SUNNIEST FOR AT LEAST 141 YEARS, DRIEST FOR 10 YEARS AND WARMEST FOR 5 YEARS. Armagh Observatory reports that March 2022 was the sunniest March on record at Armagh, and drier and warmer than average. This March was the sunniest at Armagh for at least 141 years, the Read more…
Armagh Observatory has recorded the sunniest March ever, breaking a 128-year record. The year 1894 has held the record as the sunniest March with 175 hours, until this year, which has recorded 188.4 hours. Thus, March 2022 is the sunniest ever March by over 13 hours. In order to measure Read more…
Dozens of prehistoric toy brick dinosaurs will arrive at Armagh Observatory & Planetarium this summer, showcasing dinos for a Jurassic scale display. The towering 3-D brick dinosaurs are made using more than 2 million toy bricks and an interactive expedition will be on display at the Planetarium, making it a Read more…
FEBRUARY 2022 VERY WET, MUCH WARMER THAN AVERAGE, AND SLIGHTLY DULLER. WINTER 2021/2022 ALSO MUCH WARMER THAN AVERAGE, WETTER AND SLIGHTLY DULLER Armagh Observatory reports that February 2022 at Armagh was very wet, much warmer than average, and with slightly less strong sunshine than average. The meteorological winter (December 2021, Read more…
It’s been just over two months since The James Webb Space Telescope was launched into space. On Christmas Day 2021, Professor Michael Burton watched the launch online, whilst enjoying his Christmas dinner! So, what has happened since launch day and where is the telescope now? We find out more from Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is delighted to welcome you this half term and into spring to experience an out of this world trip to remember. The planetarium is the ideal place to create long lasting memories and spark curiosity to learn more about space. From immersive dome shows to exploring Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) will showcase its prestigious show, “Our Place in the Cosmos” at free special screenings, as well as an opportunity to meet with PhD students. The dome show, which was created for COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow last November, demonstrates the impacts of Read more…
DECEMBER 2021 WETTER, WARMER AND DULLER THAN AVERAGE. RECORD-BREAKING 2021: WARMEST SEPTEMBER ON RECORD, WARMEST AUTUMN, AND SECOND-WARMEST CALENDAR YEAR SINCE RECORDS BEGAN AT ARMAGH AROUND 1795 Armagh Observatory reports that December 2021 was wetter, warmer, and duller than average. The month was remarkable for an unseasonably very warm period Read more…
“BIG BOOK OF EXPERIMENTS AND BRIGHT IDEAS” – ARMAGH PLANETARIUM GIFTS OVER 850 SCIENCE BOOKS The staff at Armagh Observatory & Planetarium (AOP) have designed and written a brand-new children’s science book. The “Big Book of Experiments and Bright Ideas” was inspired by the success of the Planetarium’s ‘Science@Home’ online programme, which Read more…
VERY MILD NOVEMBER. DULLER THAN AVERAGE AND THE DRIEST NOVEMBER AT ARMAGH FOR 32 YEARS. WARMEST AUTUMN AT ARMAGH ON RECORD, AND DULLER AND DRIER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory reports that November 2021 was very mild, duller, and much drier than average. This was the warmest November at Armagh for Read more…
Ten local students are utilising their newfound skills and doing their bit for the planet, by planting 15 new trees in the Observatory grounds. Eight oaks, five redwoods, one beech and one holm oak have been chosen to be planted for this stage of AOP’S ongoing tree planting initiative. The Read more…
The newly renovated café at Armagh Planetarium & Observatory, the ‘Cosmic Coffee Dock’, has partnered with local Social Enterprise, ‘The Gathering Rooms’ to supply its freshly baked treats. Visitors can now indulge in a selection of homemade cakes and buns freshly baked by the young adults who are on placement Read more…
Armagh Planetarium and Observatory has employed two local men as part of its team since August 2021, through the new JobStart Scheme. Dylan Smith and Shea Agnew have been offered roles, to gain valuable work experience opportunities and training, both becoming employees on short term contracts. JobStart is a new Read more…
WARMEST OCTOBER AT ARMAGH FOR 15 YEARS, SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE AND WITH ABOUT AVERAGE RAINFALL. Armagh Observatory, 11th November 2021: Armagh Observatory reports that October 2021 was much warmer and sunnier than average, with roughly average rainfall. This was the warmest October at Armagh for 15 years. The mean temperature Read more…
Are you out of ideas for the perfect Christmas present this year? Do you want to show someone you love them to the Moon and back!? Armagh Observatory & Planetarium offer gift vouchers for a hassle free but magical gift experience this festive season. Choose a monetary voucher that can Read more…
To make Christmas memorable this festive season, enjoy a trip to Armagh Observatory and Planetarium to experience one of its out-of-this-world Dome Shows. Experience the festive and captivating, “Mystery of the Christmas Star”, which takes you on a journey back over 2000 years to Bethlehem, in a bid to discover Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is showcasing its specially curated Dome Show, “Our Place in the Cosmos” at the prestigious COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow this November. To elevate the one-of-a-kind show, the organisation has enlisted the skills and creativity from the students and staff at the Southern Regional Read more…
The staff and students that work and study in the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium come from all over the world. Different cultures, backgrounds and even languages mix on College Hill and are welcomed by the City of Armagh. This week a group of the newest students and staff were able Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) has announced it will be presenting at the prestigious COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow this November. The team at AOP have curated a bespoke dome show to demonstrate the impacts of Global Warming on Earth. Titled “Our Place in the Cosmos”, the specially Read more…
Archbishop John McDowell, Chair of the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) Board of Governors welcomed invited guests to the Planetarium today (Wednesday 6 October) to formally launch its ambitious new 2021-2026 Strategy. In his opening address Archbishop McDowell reflected on how impressed he has been since taking up the role Read more…
WARMEST SEPTEMBER ON RECORD AT ARMAGH, DULLEST FOR 38 YEARS AND WETTER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory reports that September 2021 was much warmer than average, the warmest September on record at Armagh. It was also wetter and much duller than average, the dullest September at Armagh since 1983. The mean Read more…
At least one out of four white dwarfs will end its life as a magnetic star! At the end of their life, most of the stars shrink in size to the dimension of a small planet, a stage of the stellar evolution which is called “white dwarf”. In a new Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is on a quest to help your little ones experience an out of this world Christmas. Its ‘Mission Santa’ adventure is ready for launch. Returning for its second year, this enchanting space panto has been created by BNL Productions, especially for guests who visit the Planetarium Read more…
DULLEST AUGUST AT ARMAGH FOR 13 YEARS, WARMER AND SLIGHTLY WETTER THAN AVERAGE. WARMEST SUMMER AT ARMAGH FOR 15 YEARS, DRIEST FOR EIGHT YEARS AND SLIGHTLY DULLER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory, 6th September 2021: Armagh Observatory reports that August 2021 was the dullest August at Armagh for 13 Read more…
Local Armagh boy Oisín Traynor and his family recently experienced an ‘out of this world’ trip to Armagh Observatory & Planetarium, making the most of its brand-new facilities, inclusive areas, sensory room and VIP access to enjoy its latest additions. Three-year-old Oisín has quadriplegic cerebral palsy, among other conditions that Read more…
The Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is delighted to announce its latest appointments to its Board of Governors. Archbishop John McDowell, who took the post of Chair by virtue of statute on his elevation to Archbishop in 2020, has welcomed five new members to the Board. Dean Shane Forster and Archdeacon Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium has launched a series of Legendary Telescopes Tours. The tour takes you on a journey through the Armagh Observatory, giving you a fascinating insight into see its historic telescopes. Armagh Observatory opened in 1790 and is now a Grade A listed heritage building in which astronomers still undertake fundamental research, and the oldest observatory in the UK and Read more…
by Apostolos Christou During the past week, Earth passed through the core of the Perseid meteor shower. The peak of the shower – when up to 100 Perseids could be observed under clear conditions away from light pollution – occurred between the 11th and 13th of August. Three bright Perseids Read more…
A team of astronomers have used the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (ESO’s VLT) in Chile to shed new light on planets around a nearby star, L 98-59, that resemble those in the inner Solar System. Amongst the findings are a planet with half the mass of Venus — Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is delighted to announce its latest elected members to the organising committees of the prestigious International Astronomical Union (IAU), cementing its place as a leading research institution of influence on the global stage. Three Astronomers working at the Armagh Observatory, Stefano Bagnulo, Michael Burton, and Simon Read more…
JULY 2021 MUCH DRIER, WARMER AND SUNNIER THANAVERAGE Armagh Observatory reports that July was the driest at Armagh for 21 years, the warmest for eight years and the sunniest for three years.Total precipitation was 25.55 mm (1.01 inches) including three trace values (i.e., 25.4 mm if trace values are ignored). Read more…
Twinkl have created a fabulous activity pack featuring Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. They offer an award-winning digital library of over 750,000 teacher-made resources designed to help those who teach. Whether you’re a professional educator needing time-saving reliable teaching material, or a parent looking to support your child with at-home learning, Read more…
Armagh Observatory reports the hottest daily air temperature maximum recorded from its weather station, following the daily reading that was made on 23 July 2021 at 10:00am BST. Using its manual station, the maximum temperature was measured at 31.3°C at a time of 15:19 BST on 22 July, 2021. The Read more…
We have been experiencing some of the hottest weather on record over the past week with AOP’s weather station recording an all-time high for Armagh at 30.5 degrees Celsius on Wednesday 21 July. This is the highest temperature recorded in the city since records began in 1794. The Armagh Observatory Read more…
DRIEST JUNE AT ARMAGH FOR SIX YEARS, WARMERAND SLIGHTLY SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory reports that June 2021 was drier, warmer and slightly sunnier than average. This was the driest June at Armagh for six years, and the warmest and sunniest for three years. Total precipitation was 42.3 mm (1.67 Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is delighted to announce it’s reopening post lockdown and excited to showcase the visitor experience upgrades and latest facility additions to families this summer. These state-of-the-art developments include a brand-new theatre experience, an inclusive and immersive sensory room and an interactive exhibition area. Funded by the Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium were out today (Thursday 10 June) to capture a glimpse of the partial solar eclipse. It was the first one visible from Ireland since March 2015. A solar eclipse happens when the Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth. A partial solar eclipse happens when Read more…
WETTEST MAY FOR 18 YEARS, COLDEST FOR SIX YEARS, SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE. SPRING 2021 SUNNIER AND COOLER THAN AVERAGE WITH ABOUT AVERAGE RAINFALL Armagh Observatory reports that May 2021 was wetter, colder and sunnier than average. Taking March, April and May together, the meteorological spring was sunnier and cooler than average, with a little less Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium are a regional hub for education and knowledge building around the James Webb Space Telescope. We are keen to make teachers aware of free professional development sessions to support learning around the mission! Discovery Diaries, STFC, and the Webb UK campaign have teamed up to offer Read more…
Staff volunteer as part of Live Here Love Here campaign Staff at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) embarked on a major spring clean of the historic grounds as the momentum gathers pace towards the popular attraction’s planned re-opening on 26 June. The clean-up is part of the Live Here Love Read more…
PDRA Stellar Astrophysics – Armagh Observatory and Planetarium Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Stellar Astrophysics. The successful applicant will work with Professor Simon Jeffery on a programme entitled “helium-rich subluminous stars and connections in stellar evolution”. The context for this programme is Read more…
It’s blast-off for Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s community outreach Delivering fun-filled Zoom sessions has proved to be a ‘Sure Start’ way to spark an interest in learning about space and the Moon for children living in Armagh. This month, the education team at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) delivered a Read more…
AOP scientists lauded for ground-breaking computer model Scientists at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) have developed a ground-breaking new computer model which will play a key role in explaining how Supermassive Black Holes are formed as well as having the potential to shape the world of Astrophysics for the next Read more…
MILD MARCH, DRIER AND DULLER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory reports that March 2021 was warmer, drier and duller than average. This March was the warmest at Armagh for four years, the dullest for eight years, and equally dry as March 2020. Total precipitation was 44.8 mm (1.76 inches) including four 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…
Scientists track comet which has been in orbit for millions of years in another solar system An international team of scientists led by Armagh Observatory and Planetarium astronomer, Dr Stefano Bagnulo has conducted ground-breaking research on a comet which has been in orbit for millions of years in another solar Read more…
Tree planting at Northern Ireland’s oldest scientific institution; new chapter within grounds of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium As many dog-walkers in our local community know well, the Armagh Observatory is set within an historic landscaped estate that is home to a number of astronomical exhibitions that takes the visitor through a Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium has made five new appointments to its Management Committee. Three of the appointments of Mr Paul Kennedy, Dr Kirstin Lemon, and Mr Eugene Rooney, were made by Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey MLA and are effective from 1 March until 28 February 2026. Other new appointees are Read more…
FEBRUARY 2021 WARMER AND WETTER THAN AVERAGE WITH ABOUT AVERAGE SUNSHINE. WINTER 2020/2021 COOLER AND WETTER THAN AVERAGE WITH AVERAGE SUNSHINE Armagh Observatory reports that February 2021 was warmer and wetter than average with about average sunshine. The meteorological winter (December 2020, January 2021 and February 2021) was cooler and Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium launches ‘Cosmic Classroom’ online sessions Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is excited to bring the wonders of the solar system direct to schools with their brand-new online offering of ‘Cosmic Classroom’. Students will learn how to navigate the night sky and travel to their favourite planets all Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP), in partnership with the Institute of Physics (IoP), delivered its first UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Introductory Course for starting PhD students in Astronomy. The course, which was to take place in the summer of 2020, was postponed due to Covid-19. AOP and IoP put Read more…
Our colleague Ria Mee has been nominated in the ArmaghI People of the Year Awards in the category of Tourism and Hospitality Champion! To vote Ria click here: Vote Ria Ria found herself in unchartered territory when the facility was forced to close as part of government restrictions. She took Read more…
AOP’s Dr. Andreas Sander has been involved in a scientific first unravelling the mysteries of rare stars! Within the constellation Cygnus, an elderly star and its massive companion are having one last hurrah, flinging off mass at an incredible rate before they explode as supernovae and collapse into a black Read more…
WET JANUARY, COOLEST FOR ELEVEN YEARS, SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory reports that January 2021 was the wettest at Armagh for three years, the coolest for eleven years, and the sunniest for four years. Total precipitation was 101.2 mm (3.98 inches) including 10 trace values, that is, 100.7mm if trace Read more…
CHALLENGE ALERT! This weekend celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Apollo 14 when Commander Alan Shepard hit arguably one of the most spectacular golf shots of all time…on the moon! A truly out-of-this-world shot! To get you involved at home, we have launched a really special #AOPApolloChallenge! We want you to Read more…
AOP’s StarTracker Online Dates: January 27th, 24th February, 31st March 2021 Time: 8pm Ticket Price: free (donations are welcome) To book you ticket visit: https://armaghobservatoryplanetarium.ticketsolve.com/shows *Please note you only need to book one ticket for one household.* Armagh Observatory and Planetarium hosts “Armagh StarTracker Online”, a star show where we Read more…
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is a ‘space’ for everyone Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) has underlined its commitment to being a ‘space’ for everyone by opening its new Changing Places facility. Despite the lockdown, staff were keen to incorporate the new facility after being contacted by a member of the Read more…
Mankind has been looking to the cosmos for thousands of years to help answer some of our biggest questions, but now, people are turning to the night sky during lockdown for a soothing, relaxing experience to enjoy at home. Throughout January and February there are a number of astronomical events Read more…
COOLEST DECEMBER FOR SIX YEARS, SLIGHTLY SUNNIER AND WETTER THAN AVERAGE. CALENDAR YEAR 2020 WARMER AND SLIGHTLY WETTER AND SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE. Armagh Observatory reports that December 2020 was cooler than average at Armagh, the coolest December for six years, and slightly sunnier and wetter than average. Calendar year 2020 Read more…
Professor Lintott to give ‘A State of the Universe Report’ One of the UK’s most highly regarded astrophysicists is set to link up with Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) next week for an online public lecture. Professor of Astrophysics at Oxford University and presenter of the BBC’s Sky at Night Read more…
Stargazers could spot a bright light in the sky days before Christmas as Saturn and Jupiter will come the closest they have done in hundreds of years, creating what researchers describe as a “spectacular event in the sky” on Monday 21 December – which also happens to be the winter Read more…
Armagh Observatory & Planetarium to host out of this world outdoor illuminations Space Lights will be a new spectacular light trail show within the grounds of the Observatory and Planetarium running from Wednesday 16 until Wednesday 23 December. The immersive event runs each night from 5pm until 9pm with ticket Read more…
Sunniest October at Armagh for 12 years, slightly wetter than average, roughly average temperature. Armagh Observatory reports that October 2020 was much sunnier than average, slightly wetter and with roughly average temperature. This was the sunniest October at Armagh for 12 years. The mean temperature was nearly 10.1 degrees Celsius Read more…
Mild, dry September and sunnier than average. Armagh Observatory reports that September 2020 was warmer and drier than average and with slightly more than average sunshine. This was the sunniest September at Armagh for five years. The mean temperature was nearly 13.7 degrees Celsius (56.6 Fahrenheit), which is approximately 1.2 Read more…
The NASA/ESA’s Hubble Space Telescope has tracked the fading light of a supernova in the spiral galaxy NGC 2525, located 70 million light years away. Supernovae like this one can be used as cosmic tape measures, allowing astronomers to calculate the distance to their galaxies. Hubble captured these images as Read more…
Where’s Wally? Spooky Museum Search – find Wally in Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. This Halloween, Wally, the world’s favourite children’s book character – wearing a red-and-white striped shirt and black-rimmed specs – will be travelling the country, appearing in museums, including Armagh Observatory and Planetarium in Armagh. Families will be Read more…
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…
AN INCLEMENT MONTH: WETTEST AUGUST FOR 12 YEARS, WARMER AND DULLER THAN AVERAGE. SUMMER 2020 THE DULLEST FOR 33 YEARS, WETTEST FOR 8 YEARS AND COOLEST FOR 5 YEARS Armagh Observatory reports that August 2020 was the wettest at Armagh for 12 years, that is, since August 2008, and both Read more…
DULLEST JULY FOR 34 YEARS, COOLER AND WETTER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory reports that July 2020 was the dullest July at Armagh since 1986, and cooler and wetter than average. The mean temperature was 14.65 degrees Celsius (58.4 Fahrenheit), approximately 0.2 C cooler than the long-term (1796–2010) average July temperature 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…
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…
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…
Following the launch of the Boardroom Apprentice Programme 2020, Dr Kirstin Lemon tells us about her experience on the programme last year. Dr Kirstin Lemon a senior geologist at the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) participated in the Boardroom Apprentice Programme 2019 with Armagh Observatory & Planetarium, an Arm’s Length 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…