Three of the staff at the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium have been appointed to leading roles in the global astronomical community in what has been described as a historic “extraordinary honour”.
The trio, Dr Stefano Bagnulo, Professor Michael Burton and Dr Simon Jeffery, were each elected as presidents of special commissions within the International Astronomical Union (IAU) at the recent XXXII General Assembly held in Cape Town, South Africa.
It is the first time the General Assembly was held anywhere in the continent of Africa.
The IAU is the leading global organisation representing professional astronomers, with 11,507 members worldwide, and it is made up of 39 specialised commissions responsible for driving specific areas of study and activity within the field of astronomy.
The General Assembly, which takes place every three years, provides an opportunity for the global astronomical community to elect new leaders and plan future activities.
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) director, Professor Michael Burton, said: “For Armagh Observatory and Planetarium to have nearly half of our scientists elected as Presidents of IAU Commissions is an extraordinary honour.
“It demonstrates the high regard in which our institution is held within the international astronomical community and reflects the exceptional calibre of our researchers. We are proud to contribute to shaping the future of astronomy on a global scale.”
