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Status
Received: on time
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Income
£3.4M
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Spending
£4.0M
Public benefits
The Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 sets out that the legal name of the charity is “the Governors of the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium”. The observatory, museum and other facilities vested in it are known as “the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium”. The direct benefits flowing from the purpose include: the
advancement of the public understanding of science and astronomy, improved scientific research, community and public outreach into science, an improved understanding of modern astronomy and its benefits to international level astronomy, education, learning and training in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics. These are all of growing importance for our knowledge-based economy. The public’s enjoyment of the grounds, Astropark and historic woodland setting also enrich the lives of residents and visitors to Armagh alike. These benefits can variously be demonstrated through: the presentation in the Planetarium of astronomy to the public (including extensive activities for school parties) through interactive theatre shows and display material; the publication of research papers in scientific journals, the evaluation of its wide-ranging public outreach activities, exhibitions and presentations through completed feedback forms, the hundreds of mass-media citations to its work every year and by e-visitors to the Charity’s website(s) (being approximately 20 million ‘hits’ every year). The Observatory maintains a daily meteorological record, including temperature, rainfall and hours of sunlight in Armagh. It has done so continuously for well over 150 years and provides opportunities for significant longitudinal studies of climate. This is a very important asset for a world concerned with the impacts of climate change. The Charity’s library, archives and collections of historic instruments, which chart the development of astronomy at Armagh for more than 225 years, can be also viewed during guided tours of the Observatory building during its annual cycle of public events and open days. The charity's purpose does not give rise to any harm. The beneficiaries of this purpose are the general public. A private benefit flowing from this purpose is the public recognition and prestige earned by the research astronomers, and the outreach experience earned by staff involved in delivering the programme of Science in the Community, but these are incidental and necessary to the achievement of the purposes.
... [more] [less]What your organisation does
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium undertakes original research of a world-class academic standard that broadens and expands our understanding of astronomy and related sciences. Secondary functions include the organisation’s responsibilities to (i) promote, preserve and widen access to the heritage of astronomy at Armagh and (ii) to maintain the
continuity and precision of the unique 220-year long meteorological record at Armagh. Armagh Observatory and Planetarium pursues a vibrant programme of science in the community in support of the Northern Ireland Executive’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Strategy and the strategic goals of the Department for Communities. The organisation disseminates knowledge and promotes the public understanding of astronomy and science through its programme of educational services for schools and the wider public. Staff deliver interactive presentations using the latest projection and information technology to all age groups and abilities on a wide range of astronomical and scientific topics, including meteorite impacts, the planets, current astronomical phenomena and Earth sciences. A wide range of community service programmes are conducted in astronomy and related sciences and the organisation represents Northern Ireland on the national and international stage. Taken together, these activities feed into many areas of government policy, particularly those directed towards improving the economy, education and lifelong learning, and the attractiveness of Northern Ireland to national and international visitors. The Planetarium, also through the large number of visitors coming through its doors, plays an important role in promoting and enhancing tourism within Armagh City and District, and is an attraction of regional significance in Northern Ireland.
... [more] [less]The charity’s classifications
- The advancement of education
- The advancement of the arts, culture, heritage or science
Who the charity helps
- Children (5-13 year olds)
- General public
- Language community
- Sensory disabilities
- Volunteers
How the charity works
- Arts
- Cultural
- Education/training
- General charitable purposes
- Heritage/historical
- Research/evaluation
