Cosmic commitment helps institution flourish
As Volunteer Week approaches in June, Armagh Observatory & Planetarium (AOP) is celebrating the people who give their time and skills to support its work.
Their newly appointed Volunteers Co-ordinator Kelly McGloin has been helping to open the doors to the centuries-old institution for students, graduates, and community members alike.
Kelly McGloin, Volunteer Co-Ordinator at AOP
Since stepping into the role, Kelly has overseen a surge in participation at AOP. From school placements and digitisation projects to environmental initiatives and public engagement, AOP has created opportunities for people both locally and from further afield.
Originally from Armagh, Kelly returned home two years ago after a successful career in education in England, where she worked as a primary school teacher and deputy head.
“I had been looking at roles within AOP, but when I saw the volunteer one I thought it was definitely right up my street and it was something that I’d love,” said Kelly.
She added that her background in recruitment, staff management and organising community events meant she “knew she had the skills for the job”: experience that proved directly transferable.
Kelly saw the move into a role with AOP was not a departure from education but an extension of it. “Working within the Planetarium is still working within education. It’s also such an iconic place… it inspires future scientists. It champions STEM subjects, it’s hands-on, with practical work as well as theory. I just love everything about it.”
Opportunities for young people have expanded, especially for secondary school students, many of whom have aspirations of careers in astrophysics and astronomy. They are now gaining a behind-the-scenes experience of what goes on at AOP.
“A lot of the secondary school students want to come in and see what a typical day looks like and decide if that’s really what they want to get into,” Kelly said. “They’re creating their own path forward.”
At the same time, younger primary school pupils are being introduced to AOP through creative outreach initiatives. Kelly has actively engaged local schools, inviting them to participate in eco-themed litter picks across the Observatory grounds.
Kelly with pupils from St Patrick’s PS, Armagh
“It’s about getting them involved but also showing them the grounds… talking about sustainability and keeping the place tidy,” Kelly explained.
“Then we’ll invite them in, show them around, maybe even a Dome Show. It’s getting people in through the door and reminding them there’s so much to offer.”
Volunteering at AOP “is not just volunteering as we would traditionally know it,” Kelly explained.
“It incorporates work experience students, university placements, and research internships.”
Two students from St Catherine’s College in Armagh are prime examples of the benefits that volunteering can bring. Isabella, a long-term volunteer, helps maintain the Observatory library and contributes to content creation, while Essra, who joined earlier this year, has undertaken a major digitisation project.
Esraa Malki volunteers weekly and has digitised the weather logs
“Essra has digitalised the weather logs and we’ve been able to get those up on the website – there were quite a few years missing,” Kelly said. “She’s now moved on to digitising some of the archives.
Isabella Hughes volunteers as library assistant in the Observatory and on stargazing evenings
“Isabella is hoping to go to Queen’s University next year, which uses the same library system as we do at AOP, so she could possibly get a part-time job with them while completing her studies.
“It’s amazing work that they’re doing and they love it. It’s given them new skills and given them a bit of experience for when they go on to university.”
The programme also attracts graduates seeking to build portfolios. A recent animation and design graduate is preparing to begin volunteering, contributing creative content for the Planetarium’s dome shows; an example of how diverse skill sets are being integrated into AOP’s work.
Zoe McFarland volunteers three days a week creating content for the dome
Equally important is the contribution of adult volunteers, many of whom dedicate significant time each week. “One has completed 300 hours and another has done 500,” Kelly noted. “They’re cataloguing archives, writing papers, attending conferences. The impact they’re making is tangible – you can see it.”
For some, volunteering represents an opportunity to pursue long-held interests. “For those adult volunteers, this is something they would have loved to have done years ago. Now they’re able to commit the time.”
The range of roles available for volunteers at AOP is extensive. They could assist in the café, support reception, contribute to educational materials, and even take on public speaking responsibilities, sharing the story of space exploration with visitors. One volunteer recently created a pop-up exhibition on a former director and astronomer in just three months.
“There’s everything going on,” Kelly said.
As June approaches, the programme is entering its busiest period. Work experience placements will peak, and a new virtual initiative in partnership with Futures For All will extend opportunities to students across the UK – a move which Kelly feels “opens up AOP to students who might not be able to travel”.
To coincide with Volunteer Week 2026, AOP is planning a special celebration event. Volunteers past and present will be invited back for an evening of recognition, including certificate presentations, refreshments and a dome show, with senior staff in attendance. Above all else, it’s an opportunity to say thank you and recognise the efforts of those who have given up their time for AOP.
Despite the increase in volunteers, Kelly emphasises that the call for volunteers remains open and flexible.
“It’s good to have different types of volunteers,” she said. “Some commit weekly, some come in for projects, others for special events. If anyone is interested, just get in touch – it’s as simple as that.”
Looking ahead, Kelly sees continued potential for expansion and impact. At its core, she believes, the success of volunteering at AOP lies in the unique nature of the institution itself.
“AOP is such an iconic place and it’s very unique,” she said. “You have education, curiosity and research, it all works together so well.”
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