Astronotes
  • Main Site
  • Latest News
    • Press Releases
    • Research News
  • Solar System
    • Earth
    • Planets
    • Comets and Asteroids
    • Moon
  • Our Galaxy
    • Stars
  • Universe
  • Space Flight
    • Earth Satellites
    • Human Exploration
    • Robot Exploration
    • Rockets
  • Weird and Fun
    • Concept Spacecraft
    • Science Fiction
    • The Future
    • UFOs and Fringe Science
  • Monthly Sky Notes
    • April
    • August
    • December
    • February
    • January
    • July
    • June
    • March
    • May
    • November
    • October
    • September
  • Podcast

physics

Alien Life

5 Theories and Conspiracies Debunked

With Space Exploration comes theories and conspiracies. In our latest blog we debunk some of the more infamous ones.

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 2 years ago
Astronomers

The Milky Way is not low fat: grease in space

Article by Michael Burton, Director of the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover recently discovered organic molecules in 3 billion year old Martian rocks. This material may have been delivered by meteorites and comets to the young planet. Deep space is full of organic matter. Organic matter contains Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 3 years3 years ago
About Us

The 2018 Robinson Lecture: Professor Louise Harra tells us about how astronomers research the Sun

The 2018 Robinson Lecture will be given by Professor Louise Harra of University College London.  Her topic is about the Solar Orbiter, a new spacecraft to be launched to study the Sun. It will be held in the Archbishop’s Palace in Armagh on Wednesday 22 November, 2017, starting at 7pm. Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 3 years3 years ago
astronomers

I-LOFAR – a new radio telescope for Ireland

Michael Burton, Director, AOP On 27th July 2017, the RoI Minister John Halligan switched on I-LOFAR telescope, the largest radio telescope in the world, at Birr Castle in Co. Offaly. The Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is a member of the 8 institutions across the island of Ireland that came together to build I-LOFAR. Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 3 years ago
Human Exploration

Stargazing Live Australia and a trip down memory lane

Michael Burton, Director of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium Have you been enthralled by the BBC’s Stargazing Live Australia, hosted by Brian Cox and Dara O Briain and shown over three nights at the end March this year?  A spectacular show, hosted from Siding Spring Observatory in the Warrumbungles National Park Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 4 years3 years ago
Stars

A Brief History of Black Holes

Given that astronomy dates back to early written records from the Babylonians around 1600 BC if not earlier, black holes are a relatively new addition to human knowledge of the cosmos. Black holes cannot be seen therefore it took a long time for the first one to be found. Composed Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 4 years4 years ago
Michael Burton

Explorers of the Galaxy (Part 3) The Galaxy in Millimetre-Waves

At the end of Part Two our Galactic explorers had produced the first true maps of our Galaxy, showing its shape and extent, by using radio telescopes to map the distribution of atomic hydrogen, so revealing the spiral arm structure.  In the concluding portion of this article we turn to Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 5 years3 years ago
Michael Burton

Explorers of the Galaxy (Part 2): The Radio Galaxy

At the end of part one of this article we left our galactic explorers uncovering the first hints of the existence of spiral structure within our Milky Way. In part two we see how the new field of radio astronomy opened up the Galaxy for viewing to our explorers.   Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 5 years3 years ago
Human Exploration

15 Questions about the Moon Landings

Armstrong and Aldrin were the first two people on the Moon when Apollo 11 landed there in July 1969. This astonishing achievement (which it should not be forgotten was followed by five more successful landings) continues to fascinate our readers who are still eager to learn more about the details. Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 5 years4 years ago
The Future

Space Guns!

Have you ever stopped and really thought about the possibility of finding life in the universe or maybe that extra-terrestrial life finding us! And then, when they find us, what if they aren’t exactly friendly and they want our planet for some super evil plan so they decide to have Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 5 years5 years ago

Posts navigation

1 2 … 4 Next
RSS Intergalactic Craic
  • The Safest Dinner Party of 2020
    For the last episode of Season 1, Heather and Courtney suggest their ideal astronomy guests to a dinner party. They cover some of humanity's greatest astronomical achievements as well as discuss some of the rumours surrounding a particular famous astronomer's party behaviour! Need Some Space?
  • Turning Back The Clock - The History of AOP
    Join Heather and Special Guest Host Dr Rok Nezic as they delve into the archives and discuss the history of the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium through their favourite objects. Clocks, books, instruments and rooms, they've got it all covered, and they have a bit of craic along the way.
  • Vampires, Zombies and... Bowties? Oh My!
    This week Intergalactic Craic has some added spook for your Autumn. Vampire stars, zombie stars and spooky nebulae will all be discussed by Courtney and Heather. Need Some Space?
Search by Topic
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!

Enter the Archives!
Subscribe to Astronotes!
* indicates required

  • Climate
  • Cookie policy (UK)
  • Podcast
Hestia | Developed by ThemeIsle
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsACCEPT Reject
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.