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amateur astronomy

Latest News

November Night Sky 2024

As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold, and the air grows crisp, autumn brings a special magic to the night sky. With longer nights and clearer views, this season is perfect for stargazing. Here are some highlights you won’t want to miss!   Constellations Pegasus Pegasus is Read more…

By Lovisa Redpath, 7 monthsNovember 6, 2024 ago
Latest News

April Night Sky 2023

“April is the kindest month. April gets you out of your head and out working in the garden.” – Marty Rubin, Author. It is Springtime, and I’m sure we are all very glad to see the back of winter. With a shockingly cold start to March, here is hoping that Read more…

By Heather Alexander, 2 yearsApril 1, 2023 ago
Latest News

March Night Sky 2023

Article by: Mark Grimley   To make things a little easier for us to stargaze it will be helpful to head out of town for a bit, somewhere with less light pollution will allow us to see more stars. For those who live in the countryside, this should be easier. Read more…

By Heather Alexander, 2 years ago
image of NIAAS logo
Astronomers

The Role of Amateur Astronomers in Astronomical Research

Have you ever wondered about the impact that you may have as an amateur astronomer? How much can amateur and professional astronomers gain from each other? Can amateur astronomers impact research? Please listen below to a short audio piece by Lucie Affronti and Neasa Cumiskey; two Postgraduate Media students at Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 5 yearsDecember 2, 2019 ago
Solar System

Chasing the shadow: A 2017 eclipse adventure

Article written by: Conor Byrne As an astrophysicist with a keen interest in space from a young age, the opportunity to witness a rare astronomical phenomenon is naturally quite high on the ‘bucket list’. So when I was attending a research workshop in the United States in August 2017, just Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 7 yearsMarch 9, 2018 ago
Solar System

The Curious Comet 96P/Machholz

Comets are small icy and rocky objects flying around our Solar System on elliptical orbits, as opposed to near-circular ones the planets are enjoying. They are strange and fantastic enough as it is: bright comets with their tails spanning across the sky have been marvelled at, recorded, and often feared Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 7 yearsDecember 1, 2017 ago
Monthly Sky Notes

The August Night Sky

Welcome stargazers to that haven where in the midst of our busy lives, between all our comings and goings, we can look up and find solace, and be inspired by the quiet glittering beauties overhead. So let’s start with the summer triangle, discussed in July’s article, and use it as Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 8 yearsAugust 19, 2017 ago
Planets

The July Night Sky

Get your sunglasses on, and break out the sun tan lotion! July is here and we’re glad to see it. Summer is fully upon us and many of us will be on our summer holidays this month. The month of July was named after Julius Caesar by the Roman senate, Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 8 yearsJuly 3, 2017 ago
Moon

How Common are Supermoons?

On Monday 14 November 2016 the skies over the UK and Ireland will be graced by a beautiful bright full moon. Also on this this day there will be a “supermoon”. This is a term I have a love-hate relationship with. It excites and intrigues people and encourages them to Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 9 yearsNovember 11, 2016 ago
October

The Halloween Night Sky

As we welcome back the colder weather we are also welcoming back the beginning of the best months of stargazing thanks to the onset of longer dark evenings. Mix this with the spooky objects visible in the crisp autumn month of October and we have a recipe for fun and Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 9 yearsOctober 28, 2016 ago
August

The August 2016 Night Sky

It’s August and suddenly the nights are getting a bit longer so what is there to see in our night sky this month?     Everyone should watch out for August’s amazing Perseid Meteor Shower. You probably know already that there are a number of regular meteor showers over the Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 9 yearsAugust 2, 2016 ago
June

The June 2016 Night Sky

Let us go outside somewhere in Northern Ireland about midnight on 15 June 2016 and see what there is to see in the sky.   Hercules. Muscular hero and demi-god! Killer of the Hydra! Victor over the Nemean Lion! Slayer of giants! Crusher of Cancer the Crab! And he didn’t Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 9 yearsMay 27, 2016 ago
May

The May 2016 Night Sky

It’s the middle of May! Let’s go out tonight and look at the stars! At this time of year in the UK and Ireland, our nights are getting later and shorter, partly due to our planet’s axial tilt and partly due to daylight savings time, with the Sun setting soon Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 9 yearsMay 13, 2016 ago
April

The April 2016 Night Sky

Spring has truly sprung. Welcome to the month of April, and doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun. We can hardly believe that it is April already, and we’ve had so much fun stargazing at the Planetarium so far this year. April is certainly not the cruellest month for us! Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 9 yearsApril 6, 2016 ago
March

The March 2016 Night Sky

See you later February, you’ve been a wonderful month, but now it is time to welcome March. Something we delight in here at Armagh Planetarium is how the months got their names. March is a particularly nerdy one. March got its name after the Roman god of war, Mars. Not Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 9 yearsMarch 1, 2016 ago
February

The February 2016 Night Sky

Goodbye January blues, hello February fun! We’re already into the second month of our new year and it’s been absolutely amazing for stargazing already. Before we get in to what you can hope to gaze at this month, I want to point out to you all that this February is Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 9 yearsFebruary 2, 2016 ago
January

The January 2016 Night Sky

Happy New Year! Welcome to January 2016, and if you haven’t made a New Year’s resolution yet (or you have made one but want to sneakily change it,) why not challenge yourself to star gaze this year. Star gazing is a brilliant past time and is a wonderful activity that Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 9 yearsJanuary 7, 2016 ago
November

The November 2015 Night Sky

The nights are getting very dark and there is a definite chill in the air. Hello November, and hello to some brilliant stargazing opportunities. The Earth’s tilt means that now the southern hemisphere is in its summer, and sadly we here in the northern hemisphere are tilted away from the Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 10 yearsNovember 4, 2015 ago
October

The October 2015 Night Sky

Welcome to October! The nights are now longer and the stars come out earlier. Yes it may be getting close to winter, but who doesn’t like autumn? October is full of exciting events, and one event that we are looking forward to here in the Planetarium is World Space Week. Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 10 yearsOctober 5, 2015 ago
September

The September 2015 Night Sky

It’s September and the schools are back in session. The summer holidays have come to an unfortunate end and now we all have to get back to our daily routines. July and August have been great months for stargazing, but with the coming of September comes longer nights, which is Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 10 yearsSeptember 3, 2015 ago
August

The August Night Sky

August, it’s one of our favourite months of the year. Whether you’ve been on your summer holidays or not, August is a month to relax, and have fun with family and friends. The month August was named after the infamous Roman Emperor, Augustus Caesar. He was the grandnephew of the Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 10 yearsAugust 3, 2015 ago
July

The July Night Sky

July is here and that means it is officially the summer holidays. School is out and we are all planning our holidays either abroad or at home. Whether you leave the country or stay in it, there will be many things in the night sky to observe.   We start Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 10 yearsJune 25, 2015 ago
June

The June Night Sky

June is finally upon us, and the summer is officially in full swing. The nights may be brighter for longer, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t some brilliant stargazing to be had. If anything, summer is a wonderful time to go stargazing, as you don’t really need to worry Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 10 yearsJune 1, 2015 ago
May

Stargazing in May

If you missed the Lyrids meteor shower in April, starting of May you had another chance to see some shooting stars as the Eta Aquarids meteor shower peaks on the 5th of May into the morning of the 6th. The Eta Aquarids run annually from 19 April until 18 May Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 10 yearsMay 20, 2015 ago
April

Stargazing in April

As we head into spring it’s time for dusting off those telescope lenses and brushing up on some constellations. With the warmer weather coming in there’s also hope to see some meteors as April finishes off with the Lyrids meteor shower and a glimpse at the gas giants. Starting of Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 10 yearsMarch 27, 2015 ago
Sun

Viewing the Partial Solar Eclipse of 20 March 2014

As everyone knows on Friday 20 March 2015, a total solar eclipse will occur across the far northern regions of Europe and the Arctic. A partial solar eclipse will be seen over a much wider area of Earth including northern Africa, Europe and northern Asia. Across the island of Ireland Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 10 yearsMarch 16, 2015 ago
Armagh Planetarium

Stargazing the Night Sky Course Returns in April

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…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 10 yearsMarch 16, 2015 ago
Armagh Planetarium

Free Open Night at the Planetarium for Stargazing Live

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…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 10 yearsMarch 13, 2015 ago
March

Stargazing in March

Already the year 2015 is proving to be a great year for stargazing with planets, comets and meteorites gracing the skies but prepare for March as it brings a ‘micro moon’ and a solar eclipse. The planets are still sticking around for an appearance this month so if you haven’t Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 10 yearsMarch 4, 2015 ago
February

Stargazing in February

The shortest month of the year holds a lot of promise when it comes to the nights sky and whether you are making plans for Valentine’s Day or still wondering how we have reached February already, it is worth pencilling in a few nights for stargazing this month.     Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 10 years ago
January

Stargazing in January

January is the marmite of every year, individuals either love it or hate it as it brings the beginning of a New Year and new opportunities yet marks the end of the festive Christmas season and a previous year filled with memories. Whilst most people make New Year’s resolutions to Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 10 yearsJanuary 6, 2015 ago
December

Stargazing in December

The December skies mark my favourite time of the year for stargazing. Despite the cold weather, the skies promise the best opportunities to see what lies beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. So pour yourself a hot chocolate, wrap up in warm clothes and head outside to witness the night sky’s wonders. Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 10 yearsDecember 5, 2014 ago
November

Stargazing in November

Despite November marking when it really becomes colder and everyone has to adopt of the coat once again, it is a great month for stargazing and especially for those wanting to witness some meteors.   Observing meteors can be a time-consuming event, and often it can be unpredictable. The weather, Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 11 years ago
October

Stargazing in October

October is an interesting month for astronomers as World Space Week falls from 4 October until 10 October and coincidentally it’s a good month for keen astronomers to take to the skies. This time of the year is perfect for spotting the Milky Way’s sister galaxy, M31 in Andromeda. It Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 11 years ago
Sun

All you need to know about Sunspots

The ancient Chinese thought they were stars inside a solar orb. The Aztecs thought their Sun god had pockmarks on his face. A Renaissance astronomer thought they were undiscovered planets. Some believe they are the cause of climate change or the reason for loss of signal or a “static” on Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 11 years ago
Monthly Sky Notes

Night Sky Watcher Reviewed

I have never met a child who is not fascinated by the stars.  Learning to find and recognise planets and constellations is the first step in what can be a lifelong journey through the wonders of the Universe. All the young wannabe astronomer needs to do is leave the Xbox Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 11 yearsSeptember 24, 2014 ago
September

Stargazing in September

When we think of the constellations of this time of year, Cygnus, Lyra, Aquila and Hercules are first to come to mind. However there are other overlooked constellations out there, some even hidden inside the Summer Triangle. Let’s go out about the middle of September and look to the south. Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 11 years ago
August

Stargazing in August

In August the Summer Triangle continues to dominate the seasonal sky. This classic asterism is defined by three bright stars of the constellations Cygnus, Aquila and Lyra, these are the distant but dazzling Deneb (Alpha Cygni), Altair (Alpha Aquila) and Vega (Alpha Lyrae). Running through the Triangle is the pale Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 11 yearsJuly 30, 2014 ago
July

Stargazing in July

Looming large in the after dark southern sky in July is the large and overlapping but often overlooked constellations of Ophiuchus and Serpens. Lacking outstandingly bright stars these “two for one” constellations still contain much of interest.   Ophiuchus is one of the thirteen constellations that cross the ecliptic, making Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 11 yearsJuly 22, 2014 ago
June

Stargazing in June

On 15 June 2014 look south about 10.30pm. The sky will be far from dark, but with a little effort you ought to spy the triangle topped by the star Arcturus and with Saturn and Mars at its base. By the time an hour has passed, around 11.30 pm, this Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 11 yearsJune 10, 2014 ago
May

Stargazing in May

Looking south from Northern Ireland after sunset in the middle of May and you will see there is a parade of planets dominating the sky.   On 15 May 2014 about 10.30pm, sweep westwards from the rising full Moon in the east to pale yellowish Saturn lying in the constellation Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 11 years ago
April

April Night Sky Wonders

We could call April ‘The month of the Hairy Beasts’ as we’ll encounter more than a few as we leapfrog across the constellations over the next few weeks! And will you see a galaxy-sized monster rearing up out of the darkness somewhere in space? Well as there’s only one way Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 11 yearsApril 8, 2014 ago
March

Wonders of the March Night Sky

Since March means “Mars’ month” in Latin, we should find it a minor coincidence that Earth’s red terrestrial neighbour plays a more major role in the sky over the next few weeks. With continued astronomical twilight, an exploration of the centre ground astrology and astronomy share, and great opportunities to Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 11 yearsMarch 13, 2014 ago
February

February Night Sky Wonders

While the winter sky may be the ‘Aladdin’s cave’ for skywatchers, and we may already have plundered deeply one of its greatest celestial treasures, the constellation of Orion, we forge ahead undeterred as February reveals yet another vault of celestial wonders awaiting exploration… No northern stargazer would wish to run Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 11 yearsFebruary 6, 2014 ago
January

Wonders of the January Night Sky

With an eventful stargazing year behind and us teetering on the brink of 2014 wondering what it may have in store, we can plunge in with confidence knowing that the night sky promises to reveal no less than some of its most distinctive and exciting constellations to us over the Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 11 yearsJanuary 16, 2014 ago
Monthly Sky Notes

December Night Sky Wonders

While you may have plans afoot to adorn a certain coniferous sapling of verdant hue with all things bright, shiny, and sparkling in the next few weeks, let’s for a moment indulge in considering what will be the final display of celestial ‘fairy lights’ we’ll connect up in space for Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 11 yearsDecember 6, 2013 ago
Monthly Sky Notes

November Night Sky Wonders

Incredibly as we near the close of yet another year, a year that has already been rich in celestial sights for the sky-watcher, perhaps the climax of all-things-cosmic from the Earthlings’ point of view is about to commence with our Solar System’s brand new comet, ISON…   “Release the Kraken!” Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 12 yearsNovember 6, 2013 ago
Monthly Sky Notes

October Night Wonders

“Double Hubble toil and trouble…”  -While some stargazers will recognise the slight liberty taken with the witches’ famous words  in Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’, more than a double take of Hubble telescope images should help us decorate our night sky for the month that hosts Hallowe’en.   Perhaps the most interesting direction Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 12 yearsOctober 4, 2013 ago
Monthly Sky Notes

September Night Sky Wonders

Although the back-to-school month may see many of us locked away in ‘darkened rooms’ on more than one occasion, where curtains are left open we may just find our rooms once again graced with a little starlight. With her bold letter-‘W’-like form grabbing your attention from high in the night Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 12 yearsSeptember 9, 2013 ago
Nebulae

A Summer Night’s Stargazing

On Saturday 22 July 2013, I took a look around the summer night sky through the eyepieces of the Planetarium’s 12 inch Dobsonian telescope. It was a beautiful clear evening. What was there to see? Here are some images to give you an idea. Closest and brightest (a little too Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 12 yearsAugust 20, 2013 ago
Monthly Sky Notes

Wonders of the August Night Sky

The month that takes its name from the Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar provides us with a prime opportunity to locate a celestial king. This and the small but sure monthly progression back to astronomical twilight (total nocturnal darkness) as the year marches on guarantee that the different items in August’s Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 12 yearsAugust 5, 2013 ago
Comets and Asteroids

Where Is Comet ISON In The Sky?

By now interest in Comet C/2012 S1 (Comet ISON) is building. This could be the most dramatic comet in years. Where should we look for this oncoming interloper from deep space? This was a monthly guide aimed at observers in the UK and Ireland to help you find it. As Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 12 yearsJuly 22, 2013 ago
Monthly Sky Notes

Wonders of the July Night Sky

  Now that summertime in the Northern hemisphere is in full swing a whole new batch of constellations can be seen in the south. Although the ‘late birds’ among us will be rewarded with the best viewings in the little hours after midnight, the opportunity to add these less well-known Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 12 yearsJuly 8, 2013 ago
June

June Night Sky Wonders

With the longest day of the year imminent for those of us in the northern hemisphere, we will no doubt be hoping to enjoy a little more sunshine and warmth each evening than in the months just passed! This however does not preclude there being some really fascinating sights to Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 12 yearsJune 3, 2013 ago
May

May 2013 Night Sky Wonders

If you find yourself in the great outdoors any evening during May and it’s a cloudless night, turning your eyes towards the heavens could be an unusually interesting way for you to spend a few minutes. We’ll start by looking southwards. So once again look about 90 degrees to the Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 12 yearsMay 2, 2013 ago
April

Night Sky Wonders: April

If you find yourself in the great outdoors any evening during April and it’s a cloudless night, turning your eyes towards the heavens could be an unusually interesting way for you to spend a few minutes.   If we look at star charts we can see the night sky divided Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 12 yearsApril 2, 2013 ago
Comets and Asteroids

Where and When to See Comet PANSTARRS

Comet C/2011 L4 PANSTARRS has been wowing observers in the southern hemisphere recently and there have been some fantastic images taken of it. So when do we in Armagh get a chance to see this visitor from the Oort Cloud? The answer is next week!   Comet PANSTARRS reaches perihelion, Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 12 yearsMarch 6, 2013 ago
March

March Sky Wonders

The skies have been quite exciting for just the first two months of 2013, with a near earth asteroid and a crazy Russian Meteorite. Hopefully March will keep the celestial entertainment rolling with the first of 2013’s two extremely exciting comets becoming visible to us. Comets are like a young Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 12 yearsMarch 5, 2013 ago
image of M42_14 jan2013
Armagh Planetarium

Telescope nights at Armagh Planetarium

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…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 12 yearsFebruary 20, 2013 ago
Monthly Sky Notes

The Night sky in February 2013

Now hopefully any January blues are well and truly dispersed by now and you are prepared to take full advantage of the dark February night sky. Although special events may be sparse within the shortest month of the year, maybe we can use February as you would a favourite book Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 12 yearsFebruary 1, 2013 ago
Comets and Asteroids

10 Things You Need to Know About Comet ISON

Comet ISON is here! This new comet was in January 2013 just a dim speck in the constellation Gemini, between the stars Castor and Pollux. Astronomers could not agree if it was going to develop into the greatest astronomical spectacle in a decade or into a dim and disappointing smudge- Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 12 yearsJanuary 16, 2013 ago
January

Sky Wonders for January 2013

January sees the beginning of a New Year with everyone’s New Year’s resolutions to be healthier, to be happier and many people deciding to take up or return to a fun hobby from the past! With that I guarantee many are toying with the thought of lifting up those binoculars Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 12 yearsJanuary 9, 2013 ago
Armagh Planetarium

Sir Patrick Moore RIP

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…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 12 yearsDecember 9, 2012 ago
Image of orion and taurus
Monthly Sky Notes

November Night Sky Wonders

Have you ever found yourself staring up into the sky wishing you knew the name of that odd shaped star pattern, or had an endless debate with someone about what exactly that really bright object was; a planet or a star but never went as far to find out?Well that Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 13 yearsNovember 15, 2012 ago
Image of galactic ghoul
Monthly Sky Notes

Spooky Wonders of the October Sky

Autumn is well and truly settled in and we are in the ‘Hallowed’ month of October so many exciting things grace our sky!This month we can try and see what spooky sightings usually turn out to be, as well as some frightful objects that roam the October sky!The longer dark Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 13 yearsOctober 3, 2012 ago
Comets and Asteroids

A Fireball in the Night: Image of the Month

An intruder from beyond Earth’s atmosphere can be seen in this image of the 21 September  fireball taken by amateur astronomer Colin Campbell from his garden in Lisburn.   Here is how Colin describes how he captured this remarkable image:  I was out in my garden experimenting with taking a Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 13 yearsSeptember 24, 2012 ago
Image of Galilean Moons
Monthly Sky Notes

Wonders of the September Sky 2012

So summer is officially over so goodbye to the long bright evenings and short warm nights and hello to autumn with its optimal night sky viewing with the longer nights.Everything is just right.It is the Goldilocks of the stargazing seasons; we also have some of the joys of the summer Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 13 yearsAugust 31, 2012 ago
image of meteor
August

Wonders of the August Sky

The summer months have been particularly uneventful, or more so the events have been hard to spot in the bright summer nights but the month of August has some amazing celestial treats in store for both the weathered and the fresh stargazer.   One of the most beautiful and mesmerizing Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 13 yearsAugust 7, 2012 ago
July

Wonders of the July Sky

With the summer well underway we can really delve into some of the summertime treats the night sky has to offer us.Although the duration of darkness in the summer nights is relatively short compared to the rest of the year there are still celestial treats to behold.There are some very Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 13 yearsJuly 23, 2012 ago
May

Moonlight Wonders in the May Night Sky

We are well into the wonders of the spring night sky when May begins and we ‘may’ take advantage of the many clear nights we have been subjected to recently and try our luck at finding some of those more difficult patterns and objects that are hidden away among the Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 13 yearsMay 3, 2012 ago
Planets

8 Facts You Need to Know About the 2012 Transit of Venus

It’s the beautiful clear morning of 6 June 2012 here in Armagh and the Sun is rising into a cerulean blue sky.But look closer, and you can see a tiny circular black speck on the face of the Sun.This is a transit of Venus, one of the rarest spectacles in Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 13 yearsMay 1, 2012 ago
April

Wonders of the April Night Sky

The month of April is fantastic month for stargazing and for astronomy in general with numerous dates to mark in your calendar.  From Earth Day celebrated on 22 April, in aid of creating awareness of Earth’s environment and encourage conservation efforts, to International Astronomy Day on 28 April which is Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 13 yearsMarch 29, 2012 ago
UFOs and Fringe Science

Is this an Extraterrestrial Structure on the Moon?

NASA has photographed an alien building on the surface of the Moon! Hearing news like this certainly makes one sit up and pay attention, but is it is correct? I heard about this from the Following the Nerd blog which featured a large image of the Moon centred on its Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 13 yearsFebruary 23, 2012 ago
Image of crescent moon
February

Wonders of the February Night Sky

If you look towards the west just after sunset this February you will see a very bright star in the darkening sky. Known as the Evening Star, brilliant Venus steals the celestial show. After the Moon, Venus is the next brightest object in the sky. Higher in the heavens and Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 13 yearsJanuary 30, 2012 ago
image of stargazing jan 2012 in armagh
Armagh Planetarium

Stargazing Live 2012 at Armagh

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…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 13 yearsJanuary 20, 2012 ago
Image of m45 from HST
January

Wonders of the January Sky

It’s BBC Stargazing Live month, so even more of us will be looking skyward this January. What is there to see in the heavens these winter evenings? We are treated to  several naked eye planets are this month. These “wandering stars”, as they were called by the ancients are easily Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 13 yearsJanuary 12, 2012 ago
Monthly Sky Notes

Sirius: a Winter Sky Wonder

Which is the brightest star in the sky (apart from the Sun)? Many non-astronomers believe that the Pole star (Polaris) is the brightest star but there are at least forty brighter stars. The correct answer is Sirius, a wonder of the winter sky.   Finding Sirius in the winter sky Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 13 yearsDecember 5, 2011 ago
Human Exploration

Saturday’s a Starry Night in Dungannon

St Patrick’s Academy in Dungannon is hosting a fantastic public event for stargazers this Saturday evening.   This local school has its own observatory and astronomy club for the students but this event on 3 December is for anyone interested in astronomy (details below). The venue is St. Patrick’s Academy, Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 13 yearsDecember 1, 2011 ago
November

Wonders of the November Sky: Leonids Meteor Shower

The Leonids are one of the many annual meteor showers. The name comes from how they appear to emerge from the constellation Leo- the term for their apparent point of origin is the Radiant .The Leonids tend to be brighter than average meteors and they are also very fast by Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 14 yearsNovember 17, 2011 ago
October

Wonders of the October Sky

October marks the peak of Autumn, leaves are falling from the trees, the evenings are darkening and Halloween and Christmas are just around the corner. With dusk falling earlier in the evening, this gives ample opportunity for stargazing without having to stay up too late. This month there are lots Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 14 yearsOctober 10, 2011 ago
September

Wonders of the September Night Sky

September features yet another delightful selection of astronomical treats. Whether you are a veteran explorer of the night sky or new to star gazing, the heavens are full of wonders! Jupiter, king of the planets, is gracing the celestial stage this month from dusk till dawn. It is well worth Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 14 yearsSeptember 12, 2011 ago
Image of supernova
Other Galaxies

How to see an Exploding Star

The astronomy community is excited by the discovery of an exploding star, a supernova, in a galaxy 21 million light years away in the constellation Ursa Major. We explain this event’s significance and how you can see it too. Discovered on 24 August at the Mount Palomar observatory in California, Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 14 yearsSeptember 8, 2011 ago
August

All about the 2011 Perseids

The Perseid Meteor Shower will be at its peak on 12 and 13 August. One of the annual treats on the astronomical calendar, this display of celestial pyrotechnics thrills and amazes observers. There are several dozen such shows every year but the Perseids are among the most popular and fascinating Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 14 yearsAugust 2, 2011 ago
Image of Laser_Towards_Milky_Ways_Centre
July

July Night sky Wonders

In a dark July night sky you can hardly miss Vega, Altair, and Deneb, the three bright stars of the Summer Triangle – fully up and dominating the northeast and east. What else is there to see on a summer night? Although it doesn’t get dark until late, this time Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 14 yearsJuly 8, 2011 ago
Image of western sky in June
June

June Night Sky Wonders

What can you see in the June night sky? During the month of June there is precious little darkness. Nevertheless there’s plenty to see and ponder on in the night sky. There has just been a lunar eclipse, it is summer solstice time and also the time of year to Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 14 yearsJune 21, 2011 ago
Armagh Planetarium

An out of this world event in Dungannon

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…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 14 years ago
image of Bootis-virgo-leo
May

May Night Sky Wonders

In our latest night sky guide we look at the stars of late spring and early summer and ponder just what does the brightness of a star really mean. We are now well into the merry month of May and the nights are getting much warmer. The beauty and majesty Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 14 yearsMay 20, 2011 ago
UFOs and Fringe Science

Revealed: 5 secret solutions to the UFO mystery

“I was looking into the sky and I’ve seen something strange …what was it?” Around the world observatories, planetariums and science museums, regularly encounter questions like this. Most often these UFOs turn out to be not as mysterious or alien as they first appear. Here some of the most common Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 14 yearsMarch 23, 2011 ago
March

The March Night Sky: Celestial Dreamings

What can you see in the March 2011 night sky? Mary Bulman has the answers, beginning with a tale from the folklore of Australia’s Aboriginal people. Did you ever look up at the sky on a clear starry night and wonder where the stars came from? I am going to Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 14 yearsMarch 15, 2011 ago
Image of Cosmic-Cuilcagh_Banner
Armagh Planetarium

Cosmic Cuilcagh: a not to be missed out of this world event!

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…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 14 yearsMarch 1, 2011 ago
Colin Johnston

Are you an astronomer? Seven telltale signs!

Could you or someone you love actually be an astronomer?  There are tell-tale warning signs, try our exciting quiz to discover if you are one of these creatures of the night! Amateur Astronomy is a fascinating and reward­ing hobby, enjoyed by people from all walks of life and all ages. Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 14 yearsFebruary 26, 2011 ago
Armagh Planetarium

Armagh Planetarium Blasts off for a Year of Stargazing

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…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 14 yearsJanuary 20, 2011 ago
Armagh Planetarium

BBC Stargazing Live at Armagh Planetarium

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…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 14 yearsJanuary 3, 2011 ago
Image of Orion_Nebula
December

Wonders of the December Sky

The long and dark nights of December feature some spectacular and easy to spot treats for the stargazer. In our regular guide to the night sky, Martina Redpath tells us all about the  celestial wonders of December 2010’s night sky. As the year draws to a close, preparation for the Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 14 yearsDecember 14, 2010 ago
Armagh Planetarium

Seven Amazing Astronomical Gifts for Christmas

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…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 14 yearsDecember 9, 2010 ago
November

The Leonid meteors and other highlights of the November night sky

The darker evenings of November offer some thrilling sights to stargazers including the Leonid meteor shower. Martina Redpath has the details on  what you can see in the November skies. As we get closer to the end of the year the nights are becoming increasingly longer and colder. This is Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 15 yearsNovember 12, 2010 ago
Image-of-plutos-surface
Science Fiction

HP Lovecraft: The man who saw horror in the cosmos

As it’s Halloween, we examine the life and works of HP Lovecraft, author of horror classics including The Call of Cthulhu and The Shadow over Innsmouth. How did his lifelong interest in astronomy influence his work? Howard Phillips Lovecraft (1890-1937) is praised as one of the twentieth century’s most influential Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 15 yearsOctober 29, 2010 ago
Image of supernova
Other Galaxies

Supernovae spotted by Irish astronomer

David Grennan, an amateur from Dublin, has thrilled astronomers with his discoveries  of supernovae in  distant galaxies. Here is the inside story of his admirable achievements. Astronomy is one of the few sciences where talented amateurs can make important contributions. As example you have only to look at the recent Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 15 yearsOctober 6, 2010 ago
Planets

The bluffer’s guide to Saturn

  Ask anyone to draw a picture of a planet and I’ll bet they draw a ringed planet like Saturn. This giant world has always stood out from the other worlds of the Solar System thanks to its amazing rings, in astronomy books it was ‘The Ringed Planet’. Thirty years Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 15 yearsOctober 1, 2010 ago
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Welcome to Astronotes

Hello and welcome to Astronotes, the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s official blog. Here you will find the latest news and views from all those who work in our organisation, from the fascinating worlds of astronomy and space exploration. We hope you will come here to learn what is hot and exciting, profound or even weird from worlds beyond ours . So that's the introduction out of the way, now on with the Universe!

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