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folklore

Moon

Around the world in Eight Moon Myths

We all know of some myths surrounding our only natural satellite. We’ve gazed at it for thousands of years, and it has inspired some great and unusual stories over time. We are quick to say that a full moon causes insanity or madness (doctors and nurses in A&E seem to lead Read more…

By Anna Taylor, 5 yearsAugust 21, 2020 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
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
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
Moon

The Truth About the “Blood Moon” Tetrad

Various claims about the end of the world and “Judgement Day” can be found threaded into the long history of humanity and has become a common re-occurrence that, most likely, will always be something that raises its needless anxiety-inducing head. For my short 27 years on this grand old planet Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 10 yearsAugust 18, 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
UFOs and Fringe Science

The Sirius Mystery

The ‘Dog Star’ or Sirius is a star that has its influential place in astronomical history. It is mentioned as far back as the Babylonians and was used to help signal the annual flooding of the river Nile with the ancient Egyptians. Being the brightest star in the visible sky Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 10 years 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
Planets

How You Can Pick Pluto’s Placenames!

In July 2015, we will finally have our long-awaited closeup views of the dwarf planet Pluto and its moons when NASA’s New Horizons probe flies past the tiny and distant worlds. Assuming all goes well, suddenly we will have revealed to us about 25 million square kilometres of alien landscapes Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 10 yearsMarch 24, 2015 ago
Universe

10 “Facts” About Space That Aren’t True

So far this year we have seen QVC presenters discussing whether the moon was a star or a planet. On having searched online a voice in their earpiece told them the moon is a natural satellite, however this did not solve their dilemma and seemed to just cause more confusion. Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 10 yearsMarch 5, 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
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
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
Human Exploration

11 Strange Facts You Didn’t Know About the First Moon Landing

We all know of the pioneering journey of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and the sometimes forgotten third astronaut Michael Collins. Armstrong and Aldrin were the first astronauts to successfully land the Lunar Module (LM) Eagle on the Moon in 1969 whilst Collins orbited in the Command and Service Module (CSM) Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 11 yearsAugust 1, 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
UFOs and Fringe Science

Was NASA Technology Predicted in Ancient Indian Writings?

Is it possible that ancient cultures 7000 years ago knew how to create flying machines to traverse the sky and beyond using a technology that NASA engineers are still trying to harness today? The first artificial satellite launched famously into orbit was the Russian satellite Sputnik, in 1957. Prior to Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 11 yearsMay 28, 2014 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
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
Human Exploration

8 Myths About Neil Armstrong’s Flight to the Moon

With the anniversary of the passing of one of the most iconic figures in mankind’s space exploration program, it affords us an excuse to re-examine the short but history-making space mission we all know today as Apollo 11. Landmark events in human exploration and scientific discovery can often capture the Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 12 yearsAugust 22, 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
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
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
Comets and Asteroids

10 Amazing Myths About Meteorites

Despite meteorites falling to the ground often throughout the Earth’s lifespan, there are still many myths some stranger than others existing around these elusive fragments from space.     Meteorites are radioactive One common myth about meteorites is that they contain strange unusual minerals, elements that would bring Superman to Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 12 yearsApril 17, 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
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
Human Exploration

5 Goofy Moonlanding Hoax Theories

The idea that the Apollo missions to the Moon were a hoax can be found in books, DVD documentaries and many websites. These claim that sending crews to the Moon was impossible so NASA faked the missions on Earth. Some put forward evidence to prove this. This conspiracy theory is Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 12 yearsJanuary 30, 2013 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
Milky Way

Everything You Need to Know About the Milky Way

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By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 13 yearsSeptember 14, 2012 ago
UFOs and Fringe Science

Astronauts, Aeroplanes and UFOs

Unidentified Flying Objects seem to be here to stay. Once, I wrote a piece Revealed: 5 secret solutions to the UFO mystery which I hoped would be my last word on mysterious lights in the sky but the interest continues. Recently I have been having a conversation in the comments Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 13 yearsJuly 30, 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
Image of v383 mon
UFOs and Fringe Science

2012: It’s not the End of the World!

It’s the end of the world as we know it….or maybe not. Predictions of the end of the world have often been made throughout history.  However, few have captured the attention of so many such as the 2012 end of the world saga; brought to the forefront of consciousness by Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 13 yearsApril 19, 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
March

Wonders of the March Night Sky

At the beginning of March look west just after sunset to see three of the ‘wandering stars’.  Mercury will be close to the horizon, with Venus and Jupiter shining brightly above it. Mercury will quickly set below the horizon and by the middle of the month will have disappeared from Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 13 yearsMarch 2, 2012 ago
Human Exploration

Wan Who?

According to legend, centuries ago a Chinese official named Wan Hu attempted to visit the Moon.  His spacecraft was a large wicker chair to which were fastened 47 large rockets (bamboo tubes packed with gunpowder). His underlings rushed forward to light the fuses then retreated. A moment later there was Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 13 yearsFebruary 10, 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
Sun

Northern Lights: Coming to a Sky Near You?

The aurora is a stunning celestial event associated with Earth’s polar regions. Recently Ireland has been witness to this beautiful phenomenon.   If you are standing looking up at the sky in Canada, Alaska or in Norway on a clear dark night you may see a bright reddish or greenish Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 13 yearsJanuary 13, 2012 ago
Stars

6 Theories about the Star of Bethlehem

What was the Star of Bethlehem? Recorded only in the Gospel of Matthew, this mysterious celestial object is said to have heralded the Nativity. For millennia stargazers have wondered what it may have been.     Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 14 yearsNovember 10, 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
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
February

Wonders of the February Night Sky

The long dark nights continue through February, but this does give us a chance to see some interesting objects in our night sky. This month features several planets. Sinead McNicholl has the details. The planet Jupiter is still visible and impossible to miss as it is still shining brightly towards Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 14 yearsFebruary 14, 2011 ago
Image of Venus
UFOs and Fringe Science

Moses, Joshua and the wandering planet

We all know how the Sun, our Earth and the rest of the Solar System condensed out of a vast protoplanetary disc some 4.5 billion years ago. There were some early mishaps such as the collisions which birthed the Moon, toppled Uranus and gave Mars its present north-south divide. Also Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 15 yearsSeptember 24, 2010 ago
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  • S3Ep6 - Intergalactic Craic On The Road
    Welcome to a very special edition of Intergalactic Craic where we take it on the road! Join Rok, Zuri, Alice, and Andrew as they venture half way around the world to attend the ACM2023 conference in Flagstaff Arizona!
  • S3Ep5 - Craic with all these moons?
    Heather and her new co-host Dr Rok are back! Taking time out of their busy schedules they have recorded an episode all about the dramatic increase to the number of moons of the gas giants Jupiter and Saturn! They also delve into their own busy schedules and explain everything there is to know about AOP's […]
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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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