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Armagh Observatory
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Armagh Observatory is a modern astronomical research institute with a rich heritage, based in Armagh, Northern Ireland.
The Observatory is located close to the centre of the City of Armagh, adjacent to the Armagh Planetarium in approximately 14 acres of landscaped grounds known as the Armagh Astropark, and was founded in 1790 by Richard Robinson, Archbishop of Armagh.
In 1958 Ernst Julius Öpik, (grandfather of Lembit Öpik MP) was based here and wrote of the dangers of an asteroid impacting on the Earth. Presently, around 25 astronomers are actively studying Stellar Astrophysics: the Sun, Solar System astronomy, and the Earth's climate.
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. A new facility, the Human Orrery is located close to the main building of the modern Observatory. 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 UK and Ireland.