Menu
26/11/2004
Armagh's human orrery initiative maps solar system
Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister, Angela Smith, has welcomed the construction of a new astronomy initiative which aims to make the subject more accessible to people in Northern Ireland.
The Human Orrery, an initiative from the Armagh Observatory, is the first ever mathematically accurate model of the solar system, which has been mapped out on the ground to show the positions, relative orbits and distances of the planets from the sun.
Speaking before the launch, Angela Smith said: "The Government wants to attract more young people to pursue scientific studies and careers and we therefore we need to make science a fun subject, where learning and enjoyment go hand in hand. This is what makes the Human Orrery such an exciting venture.
"This initiative really brings astronomy to life and is a good example of how we can develop our cultural capital to be enjoyed today and also provide an investment and legacy for the future. I congratulate everyone involved with the project."
The Minister also paid tribute to one of the Observatory’s special guests, Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnell of Oxford University, who was in Armagh to deliver the Robinson lecture, a biennial event named after the founder of the Observatory, Archbishop Robinson.
Originally from Belfast, Professor Burnell is internationally renowned for her work in the discovery of pulsars and, among other things, is the current President of the Astronomical Society.
(MB/SP)
The Human Orrery, an initiative from the Armagh Observatory, is the first ever mathematically accurate model of the solar system, which has been mapped out on the ground to show the positions, relative orbits and distances of the planets from the sun.
Speaking before the launch, Angela Smith said: "The Government wants to attract more young people to pursue scientific studies and careers and we therefore we need to make science a fun subject, where learning and enjoyment go hand in hand. This is what makes the Human Orrery such an exciting venture.
"This initiative really brings astronomy to life and is a good example of how we can develop our cultural capital to be enjoyed today and also provide an investment and legacy for the future. I congratulate everyone involved with the project."
The Minister also paid tribute to one of the Observatory’s special guests, Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnell of Oxford University, who was in Armagh to deliver the Robinson lecture, a biennial event named after the founder of the Observatory, Archbishop Robinson.
Originally from Belfast, Professor Burnell is internationally renowned for her work in the discovery of pulsars and, among other things, is the current President of the Astronomical Society.
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 July 2013
Armagh Observatory Records Rare Space Phenomenon
The Armagh Observatory has recorded one of very few observations in the UK and Ireland of a rare phenomenon known as a 'sprite'. The sighting was made around the time of a thunderstorm over Dublin on the 24/25 July. Images from the Armagh Observatory website show a carrot-shaped flash of light, known as a 'sprite', rising high above thunderclouds.
Armagh Observatory Records Rare Space Phenomenon
The Armagh Observatory has recorded one of very few observations in the UK and Ireland of a rare phenomenon known as a 'sprite'. The sighting was made around the time of a thunderstorm over Dublin on the 24/25 July. Images from the Armagh Observatory website show a carrot-shaped flash of light, known as a 'sprite', rising high above thunderclouds.
06 November 2013
October 'Warmer, Wetter And Brighter'
This year Northern Ireland experienced an October that was warmer, wetter and brighter than average. The news was announced by the Armagh Observatory this week and found that the mean monthly temperature was 11.7 degrees Celsius, which is slightly more than one and a half a degrees Celsius warmer than the most recent 30-year average.
October 'Warmer, Wetter And Brighter'
This year Northern Ireland experienced an October that was warmer, wetter and brighter than average. The news was announced by the Armagh Observatory this week and found that the mean monthly temperature was 11.7 degrees Celsius, which is slightly more than one and a half a degrees Celsius warmer than the most recent 30-year average.
26 June 2001
MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH ON BLACK PARADE
THERE was a major talks breakthrough in Londonderry on Monday night. A nationalist residents group have announced that they will not be opposing a parade by the Royal Black Institution (RBI) in the city at the end of August.
MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH ON BLACK PARADE
THERE was a major talks breakthrough in Londonderry on Monday night. A nationalist residents group have announced that they will not be opposing a parade by the Royal Black Institution (RBI) in the city at the end of August.
16 August 2004
SF MLA blames calf deformity on spy-post 'emissions'
Sinn Féin have blamed a British Army spy post in South Armagh for the birth of a calf with two heads. Local people said they were convinced the calf was born with the deformity because of emissions from British Army equipment in the South Armagh area.
SF MLA blames calf deformity on spy-post 'emissions'
Sinn Féin have blamed a British Army spy post in South Armagh for the birth of a calf with two heads. Local people said they were convinced the calf was born with the deformity because of emissions from British Army equipment in the South Armagh area.
12 November 2010
Observatory Is STEM Star
A visit to the Armagh Observatory to learn more about its cutting edge scientific research has led an Executive Minister to call for a new generation of young people to study science - and STEM subjects in particular.
Observatory Is STEM Star
A visit to the Armagh Observatory to learn more about its cutting edge scientific research has led an Executive Minister to call for a new generation of young people to study science - and STEM subjects in particular.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
