-Fun For All the Family this February at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium –
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium has announced a number of events to take place from Thursday 15th until Sunday 25th of February as part of NI Science Festival 2024.
These will include:
Experience the Calver Telescope tour, which will run at various times on Thursday 15th February. The event will see Armagh Observatory and Planetarium open its largest telescope dome to the public. The organisation has been conducting astronomical research for over 200 years, and these amazing telescopes are something to behold. Discover the difference between historic and modern telescopes during this unique event.
The Data Visualisation Laboratory (DVL) tour, for which public drop-in sessions will occur throughout Thursday 15th and Friday 16th of February. The Data Visualisation Lab brings the immersive experience of the planetarium dome to you, providing tools for the visualisation of three-dimensional data sets.
Check out the event’s public demonstrations, where you can talk with an astronomer while embarking on tours of the Cosmos using Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s panoramic display and the Digistar computer that it uses to generate the planetarium’s shows.
The Ultimate Bubble Show event, which runs at various times throughout Friday 16th and Saturday 17th February. Experience the best in soap bubble entertainment! Join Ray, International Bubbleologist and Guinness World Record Holder, and help him in his quest to complete the bubble game and create the ultimate square bubble.
This is a fast-paced, energetic show that’s full of surprises, with Ray using various different gases to create incredible bubble sculptures, effects and magical displays. Watch in amazement as he creates a volcano bubble, a soap bubble carousel, a bubble ghost and even a tornado inside a bubble!
This month in Astronomy: Director’s Cut dome show, which runs at 2pm on Friday 16th February. Join the Director of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Professor Michael Burton, for a live planetarium show where he discusses the latest in astronomy.
Go on a guided tour of the Cosmos, taking in the planets, stars, and galaxies. Take a look at interesting objects in the night sky and examine the latest news in astronomy. The show will also feature a Question and Answer session, so feel free to ask Michael any burning questions.
Little Astronomers event, which runs at 10am on Friday 23rd February and is suitable for children under 5 years old. Transport your Little Astronomers into the exciting world of science!
Start with the toddler dome show, Astronaut George, followed by hands on activities and explore Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s state of the art sensory room. During the full dome show, George investigates the best planet to live on and the dangers lurking on the surface of other planets in our Solar System. But will he find any alien friends to play with? Find out in this inter-planetary adventure!
Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon Music Dome Show, which runs on Saturday 24th February at 4pm. The album was 50 last year and has sold 50 million copies since its launch in 1973.
Celebrate the anniversary by experiencing the album set to stunning 360 degree visuals of our Solar System and beyond in this brand-new full dome show.
Our World from Space Saturday Club, which runs on Saturday 24th February at 10am and is perfect for Key Stage 2 children. Embark on a captivating journey through the wonders of our home planet, as seen from space, at this family friendly event.
Explore the vital roles of satellites in monitoring the Earth’s ever-changing surface and learn together with your child at this fun and interesting club!
CapCom Go! Dome Show, which runs on Sunday 25th February at 4pm. Translated into British Sign Language and Irish Sign Language, CapCom Go is an immersive, historical documentary that showcases the achievements of the Apollo programme and what it took to put the first human on the Moon.
It introduces a new generation to the immense challenges that were overcome and aims to inspire the STEM leaders of the future!
Sinead Mackle, Education and Outreach Manager at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, says, “At Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, we deliver internationally-recognised research in astronomy and related sciences and vibrant educational and outreach programmes for all ages.
“We have been engaging with the NI Science Festival since it began and it is a pleasure to take part again in 2024.
“This year’s programme of events will showcase some of our most popular dome shows and experiences, along with new events, such as our Calver Telescope tour and the This Month in Astronomy: Director’s Cut with Professor Michael Burton.
“We hope that these events will help to inspire the STEM leaders of tomorrow and look forward to welcoming visitors to this exciting, family friendly calendar of events.”
To book tickets for these events, visit: https://armaghobservatoryplanetarium.ticketsolve.com