Astronomers
Ask an Astronomer
If you’ve ever had any burning questions you wanted to ask an astronomer, here is the place to do it! We’ve answered some common questions here, but if you have any more you’d like an answer to, comment on this post.
Milky Way
Hubble Space Telescope 2018 Review
Article by: Holly Preece, PhD student at the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium NASA’s Hubble space telescope was launched on 24th April 1990. It was the first optical space telescope to be launched into orbit and has been one of the most productive scientific instruments ever built. It orbits the Earth Read more…
Human Exploration
Shaking Hands in Orbit: the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project
The space programmes of the USA and USSR began in a spirit of bitter Cold War rivalry but by the early 1970s internation tensions had eased a little into a détente and what had been unthinkable ten years earlier was possible. In 1975 the world saw the historic meeting in Read more…
Human Exploration
Women in Space
When asked about famous astronauts, children can usually name the big hitters such as the humble Neil Armstrong and his co-lunar lander Buzz Aldrin. Some can even throw in for good measure the third member of Apollo 11, Michael Collins and some can even surprise me by mentioning the awe Read more…
Human Exploration
Dreamchaser: Everything You Need to Know About the Mini-Shuttle
It is almost three years since NASA’s Space Shuttle program flew its last mission in July 2011, after providing a mode of transport into space for various crews over a 30 year career. The retired fleet of four orbiters (Challenger, Endeavour, Discovery and Atlantis) are now pride of place in Read more…
The Future
2014′s Space Odysseys
The year 2014 could see the first 3D printer brought into space, the first fare-paying passengers leave Planet Earth on the Virgin Galactic and the first test mission of a new vehicle called Orion that might one day take humans to Mars. Exciting stuff, bring on 2014! But what else Read more…
Space Flight
Visiting Kennedy Space Center
When most people take their vacation for the year they tend to do their best to completely take their mind of their work and as I boarded the long flight to Orlando Florida and I did my very best to do just that! And while I had many exciting things Read more…
Earth Satellites
The Real Mystery Satellites
There are thought be thousands of satellites in working order in orbit around the Earth. If the count was to include all Earth satellites including broken parts and discarded pieces, there are thought to be 21,000 pieces of space junk greater than 10cm across up there. If we include fragments Read more…
Human Exploration
Cleaning Up the Final Frontier
Our attempts to reach out into space and learn as much as we can about our Universe and also learn much more about the workings of our beautiful Blue Planet has come at a cost and the space agencies around the world have not ignored the growing space “graveyard” encompassing Read more…
Armagh Planetarium
Top 10 Astronomy and Space Gifts for Christmas 2013
So, last year I compiled a top 10 list of the best Space/Astronomy gifts which you can view by clicking here. I was so looking forward to receiving my Sheldon bobble head but it looks like those close to me did not take the hint! So this year I have Read more…