Armagh's human orrery initiative maps solar system

Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister, Angela Smith, has welcomed the construction of a new astronomy initiative which aims to make the subject more accessible to people in Northern Ireland.

The Human Orrery, an initiative from the Armagh Observatory, is the first ever mathematically accurate model of the solar system, which has been mapped out on the ground to show the positions, relative orbits and distances of the planets from the sun.

Speaking before the launch, Angela Smith said: "The Government wants to attract more young people to pursue scientific studies and careers and we therefore we need to make science a fun subject, where learning and enjoyment go hand in hand. This is what makes the Human Orrery such an exciting venture.

"This initiative really brings astronomy to life and is a good example of how we can develop our cultural capital to be enjoyed today and also provide an investment and legacy for the future. I congratulate everyone involved with the project."

The Minister also paid tribute to one of the Observatory’s special guests, Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnell of Oxford University, who was in Armagh to deliver the Robinson lecture, a biennial event named after the founder of the Observatory, Archbishop Robinson.

Originally from Belfast, Professor Burnell is internationally renowned for her work in the discovery of pulsars and, among other things, is the current President of the Astronomical Society.

(MB/SP)