Armagh Observatory and Planetarium has joined forces with two of Ireland’s historic observatories in an ambitious bid to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for their shared scientific and astronomical heritage.
The Armagh institution is partnering with the Birr Scientific and Heritage Foundation and Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies’ Dunsink Observatory. Together, the three sites are known as the Historic Astronomical Observatories of Ireland, or HAOI.
The partnership has agreed to work together on research, education and outreach, as well as the recognition and protection of astronomical heritage. The HAOI is described as a key part of that heritage effort.
Why the observatories matter
The three observatories are presented in the bid as exceptional evidence of an important stage in the development of scientific astronomy. Their work contributed to a far greater understanding of the scale of the Universe, including the discovery of the concept of external galaxies beyond the Milky Way.
The sites contain well-preserved historic observatories, associated domestic buildings and surrounding grounds. They also retain original telescopes installed within domes or other structures.
UNESCO World Heritage status is reserved for places considered to have outstanding universal value, with their conservation regarded as important for present and future generations.
Professor Michael Burton, director of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, described the progress of the bid as “a landmark step”.
“We are delighted to see our UNESCO ambitions moving forward and look forward to this exciting bid progressing in the months ahead.
“Being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site would truly put Armagh Observatory and Planetarium on the map and give it global recognition as a world-class site of outstanding scientific importance.
“We are proud to be the oldest scientific institution in Northern Ireland and the longest continuously operating astronomical research institute in the United Kingdom and Ireland.”
Five-year role to support nomination
As the proposal advances, HAOI is seeking to appoint a project coordinator on a five-year term. The role will focus on organising the work needed to develop the World Heritage Site nomination process.
Responsibilities will include creating and delivering a public awareness strategy, managing communications, and promoting engagement and outreach with stakeholders.
The bid will also be discussed at World Heritage UK’s annual conference in Portrush on October 5 and 6. Presentations at the conference are due to cover UNESCO tentative-list sites across the island of Ireland, including Armagh.
Armagh’s place in the story
The nomination includes the contribution of Romney Robinson, who directed Armagh Observatory from 1823 until his death in 1882. Robinson invented the cup anemometer for measuring wind speed, served as president of the Royal Irish Academy and received a Royal Medal in 1862.
The bid also highlights Birr’s Leviathan Telescope, while the telescope’s astronomical heritage has influenced Ireland’s EU Presidency logo. The logo draws on the spiral form of the Whirlpool Nebula, which was first identified in the 1840s using Birr Castle’s Great Telescope.
Further information about Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is available through Armagh Space.