A trip to Armagh Planetarium organised by Mr Delahunty offered our third year science students an immersive experience in Earth and Space exploration.
The visit supports various learning outcomes, including understanding celestial phenomena, the solar system's structure, and the importance of space exploration.
Exhibits such as the Meteorite Collection engage students in hands-on learning, while the Digital Theatre offers captivating 'shows' in the Dome.
Rocket Building Workshop
Armagh Planetarium's rocket building workshop offers an exciting hands-on experience for participants to delve into the principles of rocketry and engineering.
Led by knowledgeable instructors, the workshop begins with an introduction to the basics of rocket science, including propulsion, aerodynamics, and materials science.
Participants then engage in a practical session where they work in teams to design and construct their own model rockets using simple materials such as paper, cardboard, and plastic bottle. Throughout the process, students learn about the importance of balance, stability, and aerodynamic design in rocket construction.
Once the rockets are built, participants gather outside for a thrilling launch demonstration, where they witness their creations soar into the sky propelled by compressed air/ water.
This interactive workshop not only fosters creativity and teamwork but also provides a tangible understanding of the science and engineering behind space exploration.
The rocket is launched following inflating, first converting potential energy in the compressed air into kinetic energy of the rocket. As the rocket rises gravitational potential energy is gained as the kinetic energy is lost. Energy is also lost due to friction between the moving rocket and the air. The Students had the opportunity to design, build, and test a device that transforms energy from one form to another in order to perform a function;
The Exhibition Centre
Meteorite Collection: This exhibit showcases a selection of meteorites, pieces of rock or metal that have survived their journey through Earth's atmosphere and landed on the planet's surface. Visitors can explore these fascinating extraterrestrial objects and discover their origins and compositions.
Space Exploration Artifacts: The exhibition center may display artifacts related to space exploration, such as replicas of spacecraft, spacesuits, and lunar modules. These artifacts provide insights into humanity's ventures beyond Earth and the technologies developed for space travel.
Interactive Displays: Various interactive displays engage visitors in hands-on learning experiences, allowing them to explore topics such as the formation of stars and galaxies, the lifecycle of a star, and the search for extraterrestrial life.
Educational Panels and Videos: Informative panels and multimedia presentations provide detailed explanations of astronomical phenomena, scientific discoveries, and space missions. Visitors can delve into topics such as black holes, exoplanets, and the evolution of the universe.
Digital Theatre : The Dome
"We Are Stars" is a captivating planetarium show that takes viewers on an exhilarating journey through the cosmos, exploring the incredible story of how the elements, including those within our bodies, were created.
Narrated with enthusiasm and clarity, the show delves into the origins of the universe, from the Big Bang to the formation of stars and galaxies. It vividly illustrates the processes of nuclear fusion that occur within stars, forging heavier elements essential for life.
Through stunning visuals and immersive storytelling, "We Are Stars" instills a profound understanding of our cosmic origins and the interconnectedness of all matter in the universe, leaving audiences with a sense of wonder and awe at the grandeur of existence.
These shows, projected onto the planetarium's dome ceiling, transport viewers on virtual journeys through space, providing stunning visuals and educational narratives about astronomy, cosmology, and the universe's wonders.
Our workshop concluded with a Presenter-led Dome show. This provided an engaging and immersive exploration of the properties and characteristics of the planets within our solar system. The audience took a virtual journey through space.
During the show, viewers are transported to each planet in our solar system, where they learn about its unique features, including size, composition, atmosphere, surface conditions, and any notable geological or astronomical phenomena. The presenter discussed the differences between terrestrial planets like Earth and rocky giants such as Mars, as well as gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn.
Students also gained insights into the latest discoveries and scientific research conducted on each planet, including findings from space missions and observations made by telescopes and probes. The presenter highlight significant landmarks or landmarks, such as Olympus Mons on Mars and the Great Red Spot on Jupiter, providing context and perspective on the scale and diversity of our planetary neighbors.
Through interactive exhibits and immersive shows, students gain a deeper appreciation for Earth's place in the cosmos and the vastness of the universe beyond.
The small Cafe had an apporpriate selection of space themed snacks
Armagh Planaterium is a really rewarding place to visit for anyone with an interest in Earth and Space.