Armagh Observatory & Planetarium celebrates 230 Years of Weather Records
To celebrate the occasion, the Observatory hosted a special gathering at its historic meteorological enclosure ('MET cage') on Monday, followed by a Family Fun Day at the Planetarium.
Meteorological measurements at Armagh began in December 1794, with an unbroken sequence of daily weather readings starting in July 1795, making this one of the longest continuous climate records in the British Isles.
'Reaching 230 years of uninterrupted weather records is an extraordinary achievement,' said Dr Kerem Osman Çubuk, Astronomy Communicator at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium.
'This archive is one of the oldest and most consistent climate datasets globally, critical for understanding long-term climate trends, planning our futures, and celebrating centuries of dedicated observations.'
Since 1836, daily rainfall has been recorded at Armagh Observatory; humidity data (wet bulb) has been collected there since 1838; and maximum and minimum daily temperatures have been tracked from 1844.
The Observatory's instruments have evolved from early thermometers and barometers to the installation of a Stevenson Screen in 1865, and most recently, a state-of-the-art Met Office automatic weather station in 2018.
That same year, Armagh Observatory was officially recognised as a WMO Centennial Observing Station,
Those attending Monday's event were invited to view the historic meteorological instruments and learn about the Observatory's unique legacy of continuous observation.
Watch: Thousands flock to Scarva for annual Royal Black Preceptory parades
Families also enjoyed access to Planetarium exhibits, the sensory room, and dome shows as part of a full day of engaging and educational experiences.
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The Planetarium has taken weather readings every single day since July 14, 1795. To celebrate the occasion, the Observatory hosted a special gathering at its historic meteorological enclosure ('MET cage') on Monday, followed by a Family Fun Day at the Planetarium. Meteorological measurements at Armagh began in December 1794, with an unbroken sequence of daily weather readings starting in July 1795, making this one of the longest continuous climate records in the British Isles. 'Reaching 230 years of uninterrupted weather records is an extraordinary achievement,' said Dr Kerem Osman Çubuk, Astronomy Communicator at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. 'This archive is one of the oldest and most consistent climate datasets globally, critical for understanding long-term climate trends, planning our futures, and celebrating centuries of dedicated observations.' Since 1836, daily rainfall has been recorded at Armagh Observatory; humidity data (wet bulb) has been collected there since 1838; and maximum and minimum daily temperatures have been tracked from 1844. The Observatory's instruments have evolved from early thermometers and barometers to the installation of a Stevenson Screen in 1865, and most recently, a state-of-the-art Met Office automatic weather station in 2018. That same year, Armagh Observatory was officially recognised as a WMO Centennial Observing Station, Those attending Monday's event were invited to view the historic meteorological instruments and learn about the Observatory's unique legacy of continuous observation. Watch: Thousands flock to Scarva for annual Royal Black Preceptory parades Families also enjoyed access to Planetarium exhibits, the sensory room, and dome shows as part of a full day of engaging and educational experiences.
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