It comes this year as the historic Armagh Observatory is part of a bid for Unesco World Heritage status, recognising Ireland’s central role in a formative period of astronomical history. The winter solstice, at 3.03pm (GMT) on Sunday, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. “The winter solstice occurs because Earth’s axis, which is tilted at 23.5 degrees to the plane of the Earth’s orbit around the sun, leans furthest away from the sun in the Northern Hemisphere on this day,” he said. Prof Burton added: “The winter solstice is a perfect example of how a single scientific moment can carry meaning across centuries. “As we work towards Unesco World Heritage recognition, it is important to remember that Armagh Observatory represents more than buildings or instruments – it reflects a long tradition of people observing the sky, asking questions, and sharing knowledge.

Source: The Herald December 21, 2025 11:24 UTC