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One Ireland’s oldest astronomical institution is continuing its centuries-old tradition of celebrating the winter solstice.
It comes this year as the historic Armagh Observatory is part of a bid for UNESCO World Heritage status, recognizing Ireland’s central role in the early period of astronomical history.
The winter solstice, on Sunday at 3.03pm (GMT), is the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
It is described as the precise astronomical moment when the Sun reaches its lowest path in the sky, the place where the Sun rises and sets on the horizon, reaching its southernmost point on this day.
It marks a natural turning point in the year where daylight slowly begins to return, a change that has long symbolized renewal and continuity.
On the solstice people gather at sites across Ireland to celebrate this moment, including the Observatory as well as the nearby ancient site of Navan Center and Castle.
Director of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Professor Michael Burton, said: “This annual journey of the Sun across our sky, between the extremes of the summer and winter solstices, is marked by the Stone Circle on the Hill of Infinity at the site.
He said the solstice is viewed through both a scientific lens and an appreciation of humanity’s enduring connection with the sky at the observatory, one of Ireland’s oldest astronomical institutions from which the night sky has been observed and recorded for more than two centuries.
“The winter solstice occurs because the Earth’s axis, which is tilted at 23.5 degrees to the plane of the Earth’s orbit around the Sun, is tilted farthest from the Sun in the Northern Hemisphere on this day,” he said.
“While winter nights get colder, they also offer some of the clearest and most attractive views of the night sky, with constellations such as orion And December evenings are dominated by the constellation Taurus, and stars like Aldebaran shine low and red above the horizon.
He added: “What makes Winter Solstice so compelling is that it is both accurate and deeply familiar.
“It marks a precise turn in the Earth’s journey around the Sun, yet it has been recognized and marked by people for thousands of years.
“From this moment, the days begin to grow longer again, providing a quiet but powerful reminder that change is already underway.”
The observatory boasts historic instruments, including three Grubb telescopes designed by the Dublin-based Grubb family, which have been described as “permanent reminders of Ireland’s contribution to the development of astronomy”.
These instruments are said to have helped put Armagh at the forefront of scientific discovery during the 19th century, which is widely considered to be the Golden Age of Irish astronomy.
Now the observatory, along with Dunsink Observatory dublin And Birr Castle Demesne – home of the Great Leviathan Telescope – is part of a collective application for UNESCO World Heritage status, recognizing Ireland’s central role in this formative period of astronomical history.
Professor Burton said: “The winter solstice is a perfect example of how a scientific moment can carry meaning for centuries.
“As we work towards UNESCO World Heritage recognition, it is important to remember that Armagh Observatory represents more than buildings or equipment – it reflects a long tradition of people looking to the sky, asking questions and sharing knowledge.
“The solstice connects that past to the present, reminding us that our attraction to the heavens is a story that is still unfolding.”