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Astronomy is an involving, inspirational activity with the capacity to
attract people, especially the young, towards science, engineering and
information technology. The Armagh Observatory seeks to develop this
interest by promoting wider access to scientific knowledge amongst all
sections of the community, and disseminating the results of its scientific
research through a programme of public outreach and public understanding
of science (PUS). The principal elements of this policy include:
- attracting visitors to Armagh, primarily to the Armagh Astropark and
the planned Phenology Garden;
- maintaining and preserving the Observatory's unique meteorological
record, the longest in the UK and Ireland from a single site;
- maintaining and preserving the Observatory's cultural
heritage, for example its listed buildings, library, archives and
historic scientific instruments, its telescopes and telescope domes,
and the landscaped grounds and Astropark;
- providing talks and presentations to interested persons and groups
which together represent individuals of all ages and from all
backgrounds;
- partnership with institutions and organizations having similar
public education objectives to those of the Armagh Observatory, for
example the Astronomical Science Group of Ireland, the Armagh Natural
History and Philosophical Society, amateur astronomy organizations,
and university research groups;
- answering technical questions about astronomy from members of the
public and disseminating astronomical results to the press, radio and
television;
- maintaining and developing a web-site to facilitate access to the
latest research findings on astronomy and related sciences;
The Armagh Observatory is fully committed to implement the
New TSN Policy. The Observatory encourages a culture in which
resources in appropriate areas of its activities and interactions with
the public are targeted so far as possible on individuals, groups,
agencies, and geographical areas that have greatest social need. In
this way, the Observatory contributes directly to the Northern Ireland
Executive's New TSN Policy and Programme for Government, especially in
providing enhanced access and choice for those in education, and
lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Next: Armagh Observatory New TSN
Up: New TSN Action Plan
Previous: What We Do
M.E. Bailey
2004-05-18