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Virgin Galactic

Human Exploration

Virgin set to go Galactic?

Humans have been exploring mysterious lands and faraway civilizations for hundreds of years ever since they had the ability and knowledge to do so.  A curiosity and a desire to investigate the unknown has helped humans learn more about the world around us. Technology today has also developed to allow Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 6 years6 years ago
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…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 7 years7 years ago
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…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 7 years6 years ago
Image of Dragon at ISS
The Future

2012’s Space Odysseys

What exciting space events has 2012 in store for us? What important space anniversaries are coming up this year? Welcome to our annual guide to what the Universe has waiting ahead!   This year marks twenty years since the first extra-solar planets were discovered when a pair of planets were Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 9 years6 years ago
Rockets

Space Tourism: the Frightening Truth

Back in December 2009, with great fanfare, space tourism company Virgin Galactic unveiled the vehicles their fare-paying passengers will ride in as they ascend into space. Built by the Spaceship Company (a coventure of Virgin and that supremely adventurous aircraft manufacturer Scaled Composites), the pair are engineering marvels. The huge Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 9 years6 years ago
Rockets

Richard Branson’s SpaceShip Enterprise boldly goes

  Virgin Galactic, the space tourism company founded by Richard Branson, is celebrating the first glide test of its SpaceShipTwo spaceplane this weekend. Piloted by Pete Siebold and Mike Alsbury, the VSS Enterprise was released from its WhiteKnightTwo mothership at an altitude of 13.7km (45 000 ft) for a unpowered Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 10 years6 years ago
Human Exploration

Virgin Galactic boldly goes where no tourists have gone before

Sub-orbital space tourism took a step forward on Monday 22 March 2010 when Virgin Galactic’s first spaceplane, VSS Enterprise, took to the air for the first time. The amazing craft was carried by its equally extraordinary twin-fuselage WhiteKnightTwo mothership throughout the flight which was made from Mojave Air and Space Read more…

By Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 10 years10 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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