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space technology

Earth Satellites

Satellites: Everything You Need to Know

“Man must rise above Earth, to the top of the atmosphere and beyond, for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives” Socrates (circa 399BC). Of course the philosopher Socrates would not have been thinking about satellites or spacecraft at this time, but his famous quote Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 7 years7 years ago
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…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 7 years7 years ago
Space Flight

Northern Ireland’s New Space Science Technology Course

Students in Northern Ireland hoping for careers in the exciting and increasingly important space sector now can pursue a course targeting their needs. The Council for the Curriculum Examinations & Assessment’s new QCF Level 2 Space Science Technology qualification has been accredited by Ofqual and is available for first teaching Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 7 years7 years ago
Human Exploration

Living on the Red Planet

New research and findings are coming to light suggesting that that we Earthlings might just all really be descended from Martians instead of  that fell down to Earth on a meteorite from the rusty Red Planet.  I am not suggesting that the Martian meteorite cracked up to reveal a lost Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 7 years7 years ago
IMAGE of extreme skydive
Human Exploration

14 Amazing Spacesuits

Spacesuits or suits for space. The name appears explicitly clear. However as there is no definitive boundary marking the edge of Earth’s gradually diminishing atmosphere and the start of space, apart from a few more incontrovertible examples in our mind’s eye, we may feel that the actual parameters of the Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 8 years7 years ago
Concept Spacecraft

Flying Saucers From NASA

Spacecraft with a lenticular design (that is, shaped like a biconvex lens) were actively studied by NASA and US industry in the late 1950s and early ‘60s. A craft of such a shape would experience lower heating on re-entry than a winged layout as the heat would be spread over Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 8 years7 years ago
Rockets

Wings into Orbit: the Skylon Spaceplane Project

I’m sure you’ve heard the one:what do you get if you cross a sheep and a spacecraft?Or what about:what do you get if you cross a plane and a spaceship?Well to see if you come up with the same answers as me, read on… Over the years comic book illustrators Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 9 years7 years ago
image of Sojourner rover
Rockets

Putting Wheels on Mars

NASA’s Curiosity rover’s safe arrival in Gale Crater,Mars,thanks to some innovative technology,  is still being applauded throughout the world.It is easy to forget that the one-tonne robot is not the first Mars rover.The most incredible new-era technology had already been deployed on Mars by NASA, is executing crucial missions at Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 9 years9 years ago
image of dragonlab in-orbit
Human Exploration

2012: Year of the Dragon?

In the upcoming weeks you will be hearing in the news the words “Dragon Spacecraft”, so Sinead McNicholl has the full story on what exactly this new vehicle is and what it will be used for.     The Dragon is a spacecraft developed by a company called the Space Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 9 years7 years ago
Rockets

Image of the Month: Rockets Then and Now

Once upon a time rockets were exciting symbols of a glorious and exciting future when everyone would get their chance to have a holiday on the Moon.  Well the future is now and the lunar resorts are still not here. Launch vehicles are another dull but necessary piece of civilisation’s Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 9 years6 years ago
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?
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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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