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Peer-reviewed article

The Human Orrery: A New Educational Tool for Astronomy

September 1, 2006 | Exhibitions

The Human Orrery is an innovative outdoor exhibit in the grounds of the Armagh Observatory in Northern Ireland. Stainless steel disks mark the orbits of the classical planets, two comets, and the dwarf planet Ceres with a high level of precision. The idea is to provide a large-scale interactive educational facility to promote greater public understanding of astronomy, mathematics, and space science. In the Human Orrery, people play the part of planets moving in their orbits. Thus, visitors can learn, through active involvement, about the motions of the planets and the position of the Earth and the Solar System in space.

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  • D.J. Asher
    Author
    Armagh Observatory
  • M.E. Bailey
    Author
    Armagh Observatory
  • A.A. Christou
    Author
    Armagh Observatory
  • M.D. Popescu
    Author
    Armagh Observatory
  • Citation

    ISSN : 1539-1515
    Publication Name: Astronomy Education Review
    Volume: 5
    Number: 2
    Page Number: 159
    Resource Type: Research Products
    Discipline: Mathematics | Space science
    Audience: General Public | Scientists
    Environment Type: Exhibitions | Parks, Outdoor, and Garden Exhibits

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