The show has been inspired by astronomy guru Sir Patrick Moore.

With both an observatory and a planetarium in the city, the Armagh County Museum has been selected as the latest venue for the travelling collection of up to 40 photographs of the UK's leading stargazers.

The exhibition was the brainchild of London-based photographer Lucinda Douglas-Menzies following a meeting with Sir Patrick, the first director of the Armagh Planetarium.

Opening the event in person this week, she said: "The inspiration for the project came after taking the first portrait of Sir Patrick Moore and the resulting touring exhibition has coincided with the celebrations during 2009, International Year of Astronomy.

"I am delighted the exhibition has come to Armagh – a city synonymous with astronomy."

The exhibition is being held in the city to mark the International Year of Astronomy - an initiative celebrating the 400th anniversary of Galileo's first use of the telescope for observations.

The most recognisable faces among the many black and white photographs include the broadcaster and amateur astronomer Sir Patrick Moore as well as renowned physicist Stephen Hawking.

Also adorning the collection is Belfast-born Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell – the first woman to hold the title of president of the Institute of Physics.The portraits are complemented by other displays charting the early developments in radio astronomy to the more recent discoveries in astrophysics.

Dr Greer Ramsey, of Armagh County Museum, said: "We are delighted to work alongside Armagh Observatory to display this exhibition and hope it will inspire people of all ages to study the stars in a city with a rich heritage in the study of astronomy."

The portraits have already been displayed at a number of prestigious locations across the UK including the Cambridge and Edinburgh Science Festivals, the University of Durham and the National Portrait Gallery, London.

The exhibition will run at the museum until January 9.

Meanwhile, the Irish Astronomical Association held a public astronomy event at the Roe Valley Country Park, Limavady, on Friday night.

Attendees also enjoyed a free exhibition - Meteorites - and starshows in a mobile planetarium.