On 9 October 2025 Dr Mart de Groot passed away at his home in Richhill, Armagh. Dr de Groot stood as the 8th Director of the Armagh Observatory between 1976 and 1994, stewarding the institution through troubled times and celebrating Read more
COOL SEPTEMBER, WETTER AND SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory, 3rd October 2025: Armagh Observatory reports that September 2025 was cooler, wetter, and sunnier than average. This was the wettest September at Armagh for three years. The average temperature this month, Read more
October’s Night Sky: The Ultimate Halloween Event Come one, come all to witness the ultimate Halloween event hosted by our night sky! Admission is free and the doors never close. Just take a step outside tonight and look up into Read more
By Matthew McMahon (Museum Collections Officer) and Malcolm McCleery (Volunteer Researcher) Curators and Historians are not meant to have favorites. Like good parents or carers (the root of the word curator is to care after all), we are meant to Read more
Well, we’re all getting stuck back in at work and school after the summer, and what better time than to do some mindful stargazing as a relaxation technique. As always, let your eyes adjust for 20 mins or so before Read more
The European Space Agency’s Plato spacecraft has safely arrived at ESTEC, ESA’s technical heart in the Netherlands. There, engineers will complete the spacecraft by connecting its solar panels and sunshield, and carry out a series of critical tests to confirm that Read more
AUGUST 2025 MUCH WARMER THAN AVERAGE AT ARMAGH, SUNNIER AND MUCH DRIER. EQUAL WARMEST SUMMER ON RECORD AT ARMAGH, DRIER THAN AVERAGE BUT WITH AVERAGE SUNSHINE Armagh Observatory, 8th September 2025: Armagh Observatory reports that August 2025 at Armagh was Read more
VERY WARM JULY DESPITE AVERAGE RAINFALL AND STRONG SUNSHINE Armagh Observatory, 21st August 2025: Armagh Observatory reports that July 2025 was much warmer than average despite roughly average rainfall and nearly average sunshine. The month was the equal seventh warmest Read more
As we’re now well into the second half of summer in the Northern hemisphere and the number of hours available to us for stargazing are slowly but surely increasing again, the mild evenings make for some very comfortable viewings of Read more
Can you believe we are in August already? Let’s hope for another sunny heatwave and some clear skies for stargazing. Read below to know what to look out for this month! Sturgeon Moon Mark your calendars! The next full Moon Read more
In an extraordinary fusion of Italian luxury and space-age innovation, fashion and aerospace have found common ground. The iconic fashion house that once dressed the elite of Milan is now outfitting astronauts bound for the lunar surface. Founded in 1913 Read more
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium marked a remarkable milestone this week, 230 years of daily weather observations, with readings taken every single day since 14 July 1795. To celebrate the occasion, the Observatory hosted a special gathering at its historic meteorological Read more
JUNE WARMER, WETTER, AND DULLER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory, 10th July 2025: Armagh Observatory reports that June 2025 was warmer, wetter, and duller than average. With an average temperature of approximately 15.3 degrees Celsius (59.6 Fahrenheit), this was the twelfth Read more
Embargoed Until: 01 July 2025 (Provisional) – Final Date TBC The Kilonova Seekers Project is approaching its two-year anniversary of inviting members of the public to analyse near real-time data collected from the Gravitational-wave Optical Transient Observer (GOTO) project. This Read more
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is showcasing a truly unique fusion of art and science — thanks to one of its own. PhD student Alice Humpage has turned a year’s worth of cloud cover data, recorded at Armagh by the MET Read more
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is launching a brand-new interactive experience this summer — the Stellar Science Lab Exhibition — opening on Tuesday 24 June and running through to the end of August 2025. Perfect for curious minds of all ages, Read more
Gravitational Wave (GW) astronomers around the world have been very concerned after reading the draft budgets for the next financial year which have been put forward by NASA and the US National Science Foundation (NSF). The NASA budget request stops Read more
Have you ever wondered what the stars are made of? It’s not like we can jump on a spaceship, visit them, and, using a special bucket and spade, take a sample from their surface to bring back to the lab Read more
MARVELLOUS MAY: SUNNIEST ON RECORD, MUCH WARMER, DRIER THAN AVERAGE. SUNNIEST AND WARMEST SPRING ON RECORD AND DRIER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory, 6th June 2025: Armagh Observatory reports that May 2025, with 285.4 hours of strong sunshine, was the sunniest Read more
To the stargazers out there, let’s take a journey nearly 7,000 light-years away from earth through our cosmic wonderland otherwise known as space, where towering pillars of gas and dust form the birth of stars. In the northern celestial hemisphere Read more
Armagh Observatory & Planetarium (AOP) has been officially appointed as the STEM Ambassador Delivery Partner for Northern Ireland, reinforcing its commitment to inspiring young minds and fostering a love for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This appointment positions AOP Read more
Welcome to summer stargazing 2025. We are going to have a look at the night sky and some of the things we can see through June. Hopefully, these nights are warm enough to feel comfortable stargazing. We will have to Read more
RECORD-BREAKING APRIL MUCH WARMER, MUCH SUNNIER, AND WETTER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory, 10th May 2025: Armagh Observatory reports that April 2025 was a record-breaking month, much warmer, much sunnier, and wetter than average. It was the third warmest April Read more
Black holes are kind of scary. Think about an invisible pitfall that swallows everything that gets close. Even light, the fastest thing in the universe, can’t escape them! From a scientist’s point of view, however, black holes are kind of Read more
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) is celebrating a major milestone in the history of astronomy and science education with the launch of a new international publication:100 Years of Planetaria: 100 Stories of People, Places, and Devices, co-edited by AOP’s own Read more
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) has confirmed that 30 April 2025 recorded the hottest April day in Armagh since daily maximum temperature records began in 1843, with a high of 23.4ºC at approximately 13:27 GMT with the reading taken from Read more
A new study led by PhD student Ethan Winch explores how stellar spin and mass loss shape the Universe’s heaviest black holes — connecting gravitational wave discoveries to the lives of the earliest stars. When the first gravitational waves rippled Read more
So here we are, closer to the middle of the year than the beginning and we are barrelling fast towards the summer! Exciting news for those lucky enough to get the summer off – not so exciting for those who Read more
AOP Trees 2025 Trees 2025 started by accident on a perfect Sunday morning in November 2023. Since 1996, I have worked in Armagh, walked these woods, and watched the changing seasons. For over 200 years, these magnificent giant beech trees Read more
MARCH 2025 DRIER AND SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE, AND MUCH WARMER Armagh Observatory, 4th April 2025: Armagh Observatory reports that March 2025 was drier and sunnier than average, and much warmer. This was driest March at Armagh for 13 years, continuing Read more
Another month down, and we’re officially into April! With it, we’re welcoming brighter mornings and brighter evenings – thank you, daylight savings! We’re getting closer to retiring the winter coats and swapping hot drinks for iced ones. Spring is here! Read more
FEBRUARY WARMER, DRIER AND DULLER THAN AVERAGE. WINTER 2024/2025 WARMER AND DRIER THAN AVERAGE, WITH ABOUT AVERAGE SUNSHINE Armagh Observatory reports that February 2025 at Armagh was warmer, drier, and duller than average. In a month largely dominated by higher-than-average Read more
Welcome to our quick take on top celestial wonders to spot in the March night sky! Well we’ve certainly been spoiled for entertainment so far this year with the heavyweights of our Solar System -Earth’s planetary neighbours gathering together on Read more
It takes a good telescope to see deep into space, but it takes a Great Telescope to change how we see the entire universe. In 1845 such a telescope was built by the 3rd Earl of Rosse, in the grounds Read more
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, together with former PhD student Venu Kalari and a team of international researchers, have identified young, pre-main sequence stars in the low-metallicity dwarf galaxy WLM, using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). On Christmas Day 2021, Read more
A remarkable exhibition of historic astronomical drawings, including sketches believed to have influenced Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night, has opened at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. The exhibition showcases the renowned Rosse drawings—extraordinary depictions of spiral nebulae created in Birr, Read more
JANUARY DRIER, COOLER, AND SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory reports that January 2025 was drier, cooler, and sunnier than average. There were three named storms this month, bringing the total number of such storms to have affected Northern Ireland to Read more
This month is an interesting one for those of us who love to stargaze. I know the nights are still cooler, so wrap up and head out to watch the stars. While the sun will gradually set later and later Read more
DECEMBER 2024 DRIER AND MUCH WARMER AND DULLER THAN AVERAGE. CALENDAR YEAR 2O24 MUCH WARMER AND DRIER THAN AVERAGE, AND SLIGHTLY DULLER. Armagh Observatory reports that December 2024 was drier and much warmer and duller than average. The average December Read more
Matthew McMahon – Museum Collections Officer Patrick (Pat) Corvan was born 18 March 1940 and passed away on 28 December 2024. He was a longstanding friend of the institution and former staff member, and a generous mentor to a younger Read more
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) is delighted to announce that Tiernan McCracken, a dedicated member of its Youth Forum, has been highly commended at the prestigious Volunteer Awards 2024, organised by the Association for Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC). The awards Read more
Well, time moves on, into another year as we brace for (according to some) the most depressing month of the year. At least we get it over and done with and can enjoy the rest of the year – I Read more
This year’s Christmas message from the Archbishops of Armagh, which was filmed in Armagh Observatory and Planetarium and draws on the theme of the Christmas Star, will be broadcast on Christmas Day at 12.10pm on RTÉ One television and 1.05pm on RTÉ Radio One. Read more
NOVEMBER DRIER, WARMER, AND DULLER THAN AVERAGE. AUTUMN 2024 MUCH DRIER, AND SUNNIER AND WARMER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory, 14th December 2024. Armagh Observatory reports that November 2024 was drier, warmer, and duller than average. Taking September, October, and November Read more
During December we will be able to start stargazing from earlier in the evenings, weather permitting of course. This means that on clear nights we get a view of more stars and objects in the night sky; but it is Read more
DRY OCTOBER, WARMER AND SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory reports that October 2024 was the driest October at Armagh for six years, the sunniest for three years, and warmer than average though the coolest for four years. Although October is Read more
The Plato Science Working Team usually meets four times a year at the European Space Agency’s ESTEC site in the Netherlands. On this occasion one of the team was retiring so we met at her institute — Paris Observatory. Certainly, Read more
As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold, and the air grows crisp, autumn brings a special magic to the night sky. With longer nights and clearer views, this season is perfect for stargazing. Here are some highlights Read more
COOL SEPTEMBER, DRIER AND MUCH SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory reports that September 2024 was cooler than average but drier and much sunnier. It was the coolest September at Armagh for six years, the driest for four years, and the Read more
The Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) has successfully captured images of the Tsuchinshan-ATLAS comet, a rare celestial object making its closest approach to Earth for the first time in 80,000 years. This comet, named after its simultaneous discovery by the Read more
Rev. W.F.A. Ellison Rev. William Frederick Archdall Ellison was the sixth Director of the Armagh Observatory and was appointed to the role on 15 October 1918. He would remain in this position until his death on 31 December 1936. During Read more
I’m writing this from the beautiful southwest coast of Türkiye, gazing up at the night sky. It’s the 26th of September, 9 PM, and the temperature is a perfect 24°C. From here, Polaris sits about 18 degrees lower on the Read more
When you think of space travel, you might think of images of rockets, astronauts in cool suits, and the shining stars in our skies, but did you know that before humans strapped themselves into rockets, we sent some unsuspecting animal Read more
The inaugural meeting of the Astronomical Observatories of Ireland (AOI) Strategy Oversight Board took place on Monday 9 September at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. It marks the end of an important first year since the signing of a formal Memorandum Read more
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) is proud to announce that three of its esteemed astronomers have been elected as Presidents of specialist Commissions within the International Astronomical Union (IAU) at the recent XXXII General Assembly held in Cape Town, South Read more
Armagh Observatory reports that August 2024 was drier and sunnier than average with roughly average temperature for August. Taking June, July and August together, the meteorological summer was cooler, drier, and slightly duller than average. With an average temperature of Read more
A citizen science project, which invites members of the public to take part in identifying cosmic explosions, has already identified 20 new astronomical discoveries. Over 2,000 volunteers across 105 different countries have worked on 600,000 classifications over a six-month period. Read more
Who would have thought it?! – as the clamour of summer 2024 dies away and we make our way into early autumn, the month of September presents us with a great opportunity to pause, retune our dials and take in Read more
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) is delighted to announce that three of its esteemed team members, Lovisa Redpath, Kerem Çubuk, and Anna Taylor, have been chosen as role models for the Institute of Physics’ new family programme, Mimi’s Space Adventure. Read more
Armagh Observatory reports that July 2024 was cooler, drier, and duller than average, the first time this has happened at Armagh since 2011. The mean temperature this month was 15.1 degrees Celsius (59.2 Fahrenheit). Although this is approximately 0.26 C Read more
So we’re heading for the end of the summer already and we here at the Planetarium can’t believe it – our favourite part of the year drawing to a close! While it can be quite hard to stargaze at this Read more
Recently AOP invited David Gavaghan (1) to address its Board of Governors and Management Committee and invited stakeholders at an event on 24th June 2024. His talk entitled “Infinite and Finite” was thought provoking and inspiring, so much so we Read more
Armagh Observatory reports that June 2024 was the coolest and driest June at Armagh for nine years, that is, since June 2015. Very unusually the monthly average temperature was less than the preceding May, the first time this has happened Read more
Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons MLA, has appointed Ruth Hunter, Gráinne McVeigh and Ronan O’Hara as Members of the Management Committee of the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) with effect from 1 June 2024 to 31 May 2029. AOP is a Read more
Get ready to embark on a journey through time and imagination as the Armagh Observatory & Planetarium proudly announces its upcoming “Robot Exhibition”, running from 2nd July to 31st August 2024. This summer, science-fiction enthusiasts and curious minds alike will Read more
Stargazing will be a late night activity for July since the days will be brighter and longer during the summer. It’s a great activity for those who love camping and get a clear night for it. The stars will be Read more
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is proud to announce its selection as one of 15 projects across the UK to receive funding from The UK Space Agency. This funding, part of the Agency’s Space for All initiative, is dedicated to engaging Read more
WARMEST MAY ON RECORD, DRIER AND DULLER THAN AVERAGE. EQUAL WARMEST SPRING ON RECORD, WETTER AND DULLER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory reports that May 2024 was much warmer than average, the warmest May on record. It was also drier than Read more
Night Sky June Summer is almost here so welcome back for another month of objects to look out for in the night sky, with some good weather (fingers crossed)! June has a few things for us to see, first thing Read more
By Matthew McMahon- Museum Collections Officer If you visit the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium this summer you will see our newest temporary exhibition, focused on some of the treasures held in our historic collection of scientific instruments and archives. Cabinets Read more
Astronomical Research Facility Announced as one of 12 Recipients of £9,500 Grant May 2024 Leading astronomical research and education centre, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, has been announced as one of 12 UK-based science centres to have been awarded a £9,500 Read more
APRIL WARMER, WETTER, AND DULLER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory, 3rd May 2024: Armagh Observatory reports that April 2024 at Armagh was warmer, wetter, and duller than average. The mean temperature, approximately 9.2 degrees Celsius, was 1.3 C warmer than the Read more
We completed a half orbit around the Sun since I wrote the November Night Sky. It felt like yesterday, but it has been 6 months ago. The time is cruel… The days are already quite a bit longer and are Read more
From 20th April to 12th May, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium are delighted to be hosting the Ec(h)o exhibition by Csilla Toldy. Csilla has worked tirelessly on her exhibit and together with our own climate exhibition, will tell the story of Read more
News Release: Thursday 18 April 2024 Ec(h)o – digital film poem screening at Armagh Planetarium 20 April – 12 May, Copernicus Hall Artist talk on Saturday 27th April 1.00 – 2.00 pm in Copernicus Hall Armagh Planetarium has launched a Read more
Armagh Observatory, 6th April 2024: Armagh Observatory reports that March was much wetter, rather warmer, and duller than average at Armagh. For the second year in a row March was unseasonably wet. March is usually one of the four drier Read more
April, is that you? Jaysus you’re lookin’ well! That’s right, can you believe it, we’re already in April. March was a bit of a crazy one, with some days feeling like all the seasons had been rolled into one. We’re Read more
FEBRUARY WARMER, SUNNIER AND SLIGHTLY WETTER THAN AVERAGE. WINTER 2023/2024 WARMER, SUNNIER AND SLIGHTLY DRIER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory reports that February 2024 was warmer than average, sunnier, and slightly wetter than average. Despite the month having lower than average Read more
It really feels like we are settling in to 2024 at this point, and hopefully the year is going well for you so far! We are finally heading into the spring months, and hopefully the constant weather warnings will abate Read more
February 2024 Leading astronomical research centre Armagh Observatory and Planetarium has played a key role in the discovery of a unique signature of the process by which white dwarf stars cannibalise their planetary systems. The research was conducted by an Read more
The Chronicles Of Armagh Begins on Monday 19 February on BBC One Northern Ireland, 8pm (the entire series will be available on BBC iPlayer). Filmed over 12 months and narrated by Armagh-born actor Colin Morgan, The Chronicles Of Armagh follows a Read more
DRY JANUARY, COOLER AND SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory reports that January 2024 was drier, cooler, and sunnier than average. There were four named storms this month, bringing the total number of such storms to have affected Northern Ireland to Read more
Welcome to February, the shortest month of the year, but there is still plenty to see in the night sky. Over the last few weeks, the evenings have been getting a little brighter, which is nice for us, but it Read more
The European Space Agency (ESA) have officially approved two space missions, LISA and EnVision, for launch in the 2030’s. LISA will search for gravitational waves whilst EnVision will study the interior and atmosphere of Venus. Both missions have contributions from Read more
DECEMBER 2023 MUCH WARMER, WETTER AND DULLER THAN AVERAGE. 2O23 WARMEST YEAR ON RECORD AT ARMAGH, THIRD WETTEST YEAR ON RECORD, AND SLIGHTLY SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE Armagh Observatory reports that December 2023 was much warmer than average, wetter than average, Read more
Happy new year stargazers! I hope 2023 was a blast and I hope 2024 is even better!! We are still on the winter night sky, so that’s perfect, there is so much to see and definitely so much to Read more
Accessible Screening of Mission Santa Took Place on Friday 15th December December 2023 Leading astronomical research centre, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, screened a special version of its popular Mission Santa Dome Show in British Sign Language and Irish Sign Read more
Armagh Observatory, 5th December 2023. Armagh Observatory reports that November 2023 was slightly warmer, sunnier and drier than average. Taking September, October, and November together the meteorological autumn at Armagh was much wetter, and warmer and sunnier than average. Total Read more
Leading Astronomical Research Centre Assists Understanding of How Galaxies Evolve December 2023 Leading astronomical research centre, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, has played a key role in the discovery of a new way to probe how black holes behave when Read more
Halley’s comet highlighted in Royal Astronomical Society meeting. Since antiquity, comets have been associated with portents and omens. The most famous comet of all is probably comet Halley or Halley’s comet, implicated in King Harold’s defeat by the Saxons in Read more
And so we come to the month that contains the shortest day of the year, the winter solstice. More exciting, you might think, is the fact that this month contains Christmas!! There are many exciting things to see in the Read more
Author Name: Thomas Howarth What you’ll discover in this blog post: What may happen if a star wanders too close to the Solar System How astronomers look for these incoming stars How astronomers of the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium used Read more
WETTEST OCTOBER ON RECORD AT ARMAGH, SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE AND VERY MILD Armagh Observatory reports that October 2023 was very much wetter than average, and both sunnier and warmer than average. This was the wettest October at Armagh since daily Read more
Days are getting shorter Nights are getting colder If these shifts you savour You’re a true stargazer I am writing this piece sitting next to a window, having a cup of coffee, and watching it pouring down outside. Not Read more
A member of leading astronomical research centre, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s, management team has been awarded the 2023 Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin medal and prize by the Institute of Physics. Professor Louise Harra received the accolade for her ‘numerous and outstanding achievements Read more
The world-famous CHRISTMAS LECTURES are coming to Northern Ireland in December, with Armagh Observatory and Planetarium set to stream the live filming, direct from the Royal Institution (Ri) theatre in London on 12 and 14 December. Watched by millions on Read more
SEPTEMBER WARMER, WETTER AND SUNNIER THAN AVERAGE. THIRD WARMEST SEPTEMBER ON RECORD Armagh Observatory reports that September 2023 was much warmer than average, the third warmest September on record at Armagh. It was also wetter and sunnier than average. Total Read more
On October 5, 1923, Edwin Hubble identified the first Cepheid variable in M31, the Andromeda Galaxy. This proved that the Andromeda nebula was not part of the Milky Way and paved the way for measuring the expansion of the Universe. Read more
Welcome one and all to your favourite ‘happy place’ – the AOP night sky blog, where you can kick off your shoes, cosy up in a comfortable chair and chill-out amongst the shimmering stars! It’s also the month with the Read more
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium has announced a number of family friendly Halloween themed events that will take place on site over the October mid-term break. These will include: Spooky Space Family Dome Show. Running at various times daily from 24th Read more