Observatory Receives Awards for Outreach

The Armagh Observatory has been awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for its contribution to the international Universe Awareness (UNAWE) programme to inspire and educate young children. The award is in recognition of the Observatory's contributions to education and public understanding of science and to UNAWE in particular, notably the efforts of the Observatory's outreach postdoctoral research assistant Dr Miruna Popescu during the last several years. It was presented by Professor Dr George K. Miley, Co-Chair, UNAWE Steering Committee and Vice-President of the International Astronomical Union. In addition, the Observatory has received an award from the International Astronomical Union for the Observatory's commitment and outstanding contribution to the International Year of Astronomy 2009 as part of its programme of Science in the Community. Selected activities by the Observatory included in this section were public lectures by international experts including those from the European Space Agency, the University of Manitoba, Canada, the University of Glasgow, and Indiana, USA; the hosting of many guided tours and group visits to the Observatory grounds including European Heritage Open Days; and the supervision of school work-experience students to carry out short research projects on a variety of astronomical topics. Full details of all these activities are published in the Observatory's Annual Report for 2009, which is available from the Observatory's web-site or as hard copy on request. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: John McFarland at the Armagh Observatory, College Hill, Armagh, BT61 9DG. Tel.: 028-3752-2928; FAX: 028-3752-7174; jmfarm.ac.uk.

Last Revised: 2010 May 25th