armagh planetarium

The Armagh Planetarium was the world's first to introduce an interactive control system. Each seat in the "Theatre of Stars" is equipped with a control unit directly connected to a powerful computer. During a "Star Show" the audience decides what happens next by using this control unit to talk to the computer. The computer controls nearly one hundred special effects, slides and video projectors which can take you anywhere from the surface of Mars to the inside of a black hole. Each show uses the very latest pictures supplied by NASA and astromomers from around the world, and are produced here in Armagh-you will not see their like elsewhere.

After the hour long voyage to the stars is over, visitors can walk through the "Hall of Astronomy" where interactive multi media displays will tell more about the cosmos. The exhibitions are all hands on and are designed in such a way that visitors can experience the thrill of discovery when using them.

The Planetarium also has a space shop, where the visitors can choose a selection of gifts ranging from astronaut ice cream to cosmic umbrellas.
The Astropark is a development of some 25 acres of land around both the observatory and the plantarium. Some of the planned features are the solar system trail, planet gardens where aspects of each planet are reflected in the layout, a stone calendar, an outdoor auditorium and many outdoor exhibits reflecting our position in the universe.

The Eartharium is an earth science centre where visitors can work their way up from the bowels of the earth through volcanic vents to the surface, measure earthquake activity, examine man's impact on the environment, study the atmosphere, see ozone depletion and much more.

Located north of Armagh, on the main Belfast road.