Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is delighted to announce it is reopening post lockdown and excited to showcase the visitor experience upgrades and latest facility additions to families this summer.
These state-of-the-art developments include a brand-new theatre experience, an inclusive and immersive sensory room and an interactive exhibition area.
Funded by the Department for Communities, the Planetarium now boasts the world’s most advanced Planetarium system, Digistar 7, created by digital projection specialists Evans and Sutherland. It’s ultra-high-resolution videos transports guests anywhere in the Solar System and beyond! The latest technology allows visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in a 360-degree dome experience where shows are played on the roof, using its new projection equipment. A truly out of this world experience that should not be missed.
The cleverly designed interactive exhibition area allows little ones to explore outer space and broaden their curiosity for the intergalactic phenomena.
Other additions include enhanced changing facilities to assist those with additional needs, as well as a modern sensory room that provides an enjoyable and calming multisensory experience for all our visitors, with features including bubble tubes and interactive exhibits. The new and improved shop and café upgrades add an extra ‘day-out’ feel to the visitor experience.
Sinead Mackle, Education and Outreach Manager at Armagh Observatory & Planetarium said: “We are over the moon to announce our reopening. The team and our suppliers have been working hard to get the Planetarium ready and we are really looking forward to welcoming visitors back. The new improvements will really amplify our visitor experience, creating long lasting memories and sparking a curiosity to learn more about space. With more people staying local this summer, we are anticipating a really busy season.
“The dome experience will also offer something unique for adults too, as we are screening shows featuring the music of either Pink Floyd or U2 on selected Friday evenings.”
Whilst visitor experiences have been closed due to lockdown, research continued. Sinead adds, “Our astrophysicists and astronomers have been continuing their leading and valuable research, as well as student placements in place and study ongoing.”
Tickets for the dome shows are available to purchase online via www.armagh.space and pre booking is required. The Planetarium is open to the public Tuesday – Sunday.