Armagh Observatory

Armagh Observatory

Observatory code	981
Location	Armagh, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Coordinates	54°21′12″N 6°39′00″W / 54.3532°N 6.65°W / 54.3532; -6.65Coordinates: 54°21′12″N 6°39′00″W / 54.3532°N 6.65°W / 54.3532; -6.65
Established	1789
Website	star.arm.ac.uk
Location of Armagh Observatory
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Armagh Observatory is an astronomical research institute in Armagh, Northern Ireland. Around 25 astronomers are based at the observatory, studying stellar astrophysics, the Sun, Solar System astronomy and Earth's climate.

History

The Observatory is located close to the centre of the city of Armagh, adjacent to the Armagh Planetarium in approximately 14 acres (57,000 m²) of landscaped grounds known as the Armagh Astropark. It was founded in 1789 by Richard Robinson, 1st Baron Rokeby, Church of Ireland Lord Primate of All Ireland and Lord Archbishop of Armagh.

Ernst Julius Öpik (grandfather of Lembit Öpik MP) was based here for over 30 years and among his many contributions to astrophysics he wrote of the dangers of an asteroid impacting on the Earth.

Facilities

There are scale models of the Solar System and the Universe, two sundials and historic telescopes, as well as telescope domes and other outdoor exhibits. The Human Orrery, launched in 2004, is located close to the main Observatory building. The Observatory's specialist library and archives, and collections of scientific instruments and artefacts associated with the development of modern astronomy, represent one of the leading collections of its kind in the British Isles.

List of Directors

Directors of Armagh Observatory
James Archibald Hamilton	1790 - 1815
William Davenport	1815 - 1823
Thomas Romney Robinson	1823 - 1882
John Louis Emil Dreyer	1882 - 1916
Joseph A. Hardcastle	1917
WFA Ellison	1918 - 1936
Eric Mervyn Lindsay	1937 - 1974
Mart de Groot	1976 - 1994
Mark E. Bailey	1995 - 2016

Directors of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium
Michael G. Burton^[1]	2016 -

References

↑ http://www.armaghplanet.com/blog/armagh-planetarium-welcomes-new-director.html

External links

Places of Interest in County Armagh
Castles and military sites	Charlemont Fort Creevekeeran Castle Fathom Castle Gosford Castle Moyry Castle Tandragee Castle
Churches and religious sites	Creggan Church Drumcree Church Killeavy Old Church Church of Ireland Cathedral Roman Catholic Cathedral Primate’s Chapel, Armagh Seagoe Parish Church
Museums and cultural sites	Archbishop's Palace, Armagh Armagh County Museum Armagh Court House Armagh Gaol Armagh Robinson Library Armagh Observatory Armagh Planetarium Bessbrook Institute Cardinal Tomás Ó Fiaich Memorial Library & Archive Dan Winter’s Cottage Franciscan Friary, Armagh Newry Town Hall (Part) Rokeby Obelisk Royal School, Armagh Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum Sloan’s Inn Museum
Natural landmarks and outdoor spaces	Gosford Forest Park Maghery Country Park The Mall, Armagh Peatlands Park Slieve Gullion Forest Park
Prehistoric landmarks	Slieve Gullion Passage Tomb Annaghmare Ballykeel Dolmen Ballymacdermot Court Tomb Clontygora Dorsey Haughey's Fort Kilnasaggart Pillar Stone King's Stables Navan Fort
Stately homes	Abbey House Ardress House The Argory Ballymoyer House Brownlow House Castle Dillon Darton Dean’s Hill Derrymore House Drumbanagher House Eden House Fairview House Fellow’s Hall Forkhill House Hockley Lodge Killeavy Castle The Manor House, Loughgall Raughlan Richhill Castle Tynan Abbey Umgola
Transport and industry	The Barn Museum, Lurgan Craigmore Viaduct MacNeill's Egyptian Arch
See also	Newry Canal

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