OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory

An International Dark Sky Park where astronomy meets archaeology | Davagh Forest, Northern Ireland.

[OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory @omdarksky]

The latest episode of BBC Radio 4's Open Country show is all about our Dark Sky Park and Observatory, and the Beaghmore Stone Circles. You can listen to it here -

https://t.co/nkJ1zmH8PY

[OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory @omdarksky]

We're very happy to feature in the RTE podcast, the County Measure, in the County Tyrone episode.

https://t.co/F3pyfzacKL

Hear us discuss the local landscape and Neolithic monuments, as well as imagery taken under our superb dark skies in our observatory.

[OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory @omdarksky]

Look up tonight for the first Full Moon of the year. It's traditionally known as the Wolf Moon, due to the sound of hungry wolves howling at it. When the Moon is fully illuminated a wealth of features are visible on its surface, including the dark grey ‘seas’. Image - D Gibson.

[OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory @omdarksky]

The Dumbbell Nebula / Apple Core Nebula (M27).

[OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory @omdarksky]

Happy new year from everyone at OM! Here's a few images taken at our observatory during 2022.
#astro #Astrophotography #astronomy #DarkSkies

[OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory @omdarksky]

Here's the Bubble Nebula.

[OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory @omdarksky]

Superb little clip of Martin in his element! We're very much looking forward to his talk for us tomorrow.

[Martin McKenna (Nightskyhunter) @martinastro2005]

Check out this short Discover Ireland promotional video featuring myself at Beaghmore Stone Circles & OM Dark Sky Park & Observatory. Stars and Stones segment for the local area... https://t.co/LihDtLasYP

[OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory @omdarksky]

We were lucky to get lush clear skies last night for our monthly AstronOMy Club. Lots of eyepiece observing while we livestacked M101 The Pinwheel Galaxy upstairs. Also, our projection show has returned for the dark season!
Our colleague Hannah took the images in this thread.

[OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory @omdarksky]

Listen to Jason Arthur from ARCEN describe how our building 'almost floats above the peat'. When better to be up for #rsuadesignawards22 than during International Dark Sky Week? #IDSW2022

[The Royal Society of Ulster Architects @ArchitectureNI]

Awards shortlist: Due to minimal light pollution, Davagh Forest Park is one of only 78 places around the globe with official International Dark Sky accreditation. The new observatory designed by ARCEN welcomes visitors from all over Have you been? #rsuadesignawards22 #awards

[OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory @omdarksky]

Over the next week, visit our Dark Sky Park to take part in #StarCount - a cosmic census of our view of the stars, held by @CPRE

The lack of light pollution where we are means the night sky is at its darkest – and at its best to really see the stars. 🌟☄️🪐

Get involved 👇

[CPRE, Campaign to Protect Rural England @CPRE]

⭐ #StarCount is now live! ⭐

From today until 6 March, help us celebrate our starry skies by counting the stars you can see within the constellation of Orion.

Watch our instructional video for how to take part, or go to our website 👉
https://t.co/YUF2K9MFzH

[OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory @omdarksky]

Due to a yellow weather warning for heavy snow showers and strong winds, OM will be closed to the public on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 February.
If you are a ticket holder and we've not yet been in touch, please message us. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

[OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory @omdarksky]

Our building is an entry in this year's @ArchitectureNI Design Awards!

[The Royal Society of Ulster Architects @ArchitectureNI]

Entry no. 7 to the RSUA Design Awards 2022: Davagh Forest Observatory. Architects: ARC-EN. Client: @MidUlster_DC. What do you think? A prize-winning contender? #RSUADesignAwards22 #rsua #design #awards #architecture #architects #northernireland

[Mid Ulster Council @MidUlster_DC]

Unfortunately, the Solar Walk from Davagh Forest to Beaghmore Stone Circles has been temporarily closed due to flash flooding from the recent snow melt and rainfall. We are assessing the impact on the boardwalk and will advise on reopening when it is safe to do so.

[OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory @omdarksky]

In case you missed it last night on BBC Four, watch it again on BBC iPlayer. In this ‘Dark Skies’ episode The Sky at Night team explore how light pollution impacts the beauty of the night sky, animal behaviour and human health. #skyatnight https://t.co/AyYsXbspRR