Armagh
Planetarium is a world-renowned astronomical
educational establishment. Established in
1968 to complement the research work of Armagh
Observatory, its purpose is to bring astronomy
and related sciences to a wider audience.
The
Planetarium is a multifaceted organisation
dedicated to astronomy education for all levels,
from nursery through to retirement age. It
is the Planetarium's unique ability to adapt
to changing audience needs that have enabled
it to stay at the forefront of science education
since its formation.
(LEFT)
A LIVELY BUNCH OF CHILDREN GET READY TO
BLAST OFF INSIDE THE STARDOME PLANETARIUM.
Click
on image for a larger view.
On-site
activities include interactive workshops on
a variety of subjects such as rocket building,
meteorite impacts, solar viewing and space
robots as well as other science topics such
as dinosaurs and electricity.
Regular
telescope nights are held during the year
when members of the public can visit us and
use Ireland's largest public telescope to
view some of the breathtaking sights in the
night sky.
The
Planetarium's Mail
Order department is the largest supplier
of astronomical resources in the UK to both
wholesalers and retailers. Many of our most
popular products are sold to other science
centres and educational establishments throughout
the world.
An
extensive range of space related products
can also be found in the Planetarium's shop.
The shop caters for all levels and abilities,
from children's toys through to educational
resources for teachers.
A
BBC Radio studio is also housed at the Planetarium.
This is used for radio interviews by Planetarium
staff and the general public. It allows the
interviewee to remotely link up with the main
BBC studio in Belfast instead of physically
having to travel there.
Tourism
is another important part of Armagh Planetarium's
role. When fully operational the Planetarium
attracts an average of 50,000 visitors through
its doors each year. More than half of these
visitors are tourists from Ireland and abroad.
The Planetarium is a major visitor attraction
for the city of Armagh and it has helped to
develop the local tourism industry.
WHO FUNDS ARMAGH
PLANETARIUM?
The
Planetarium is a registered charity which
receives core funding from the Department
of Culture, Arts & Leisure (DCAL).
It also generates internal revenue from admissions,
shop sales and its Mail Order department.
WHAT IS THE
PLANETARIUM'S MISSION STATEMENT?
To
advance and promote the knowledge and understanding
of astronomy and related sciences.
