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Sights of Armenia Aragatsotn
The Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory
- RegionAragatsotn
- Distance from Yerevan33.5 km
- TypeMuseum
Aragatsotn
About this place
The Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory is one of the 33 research institutes of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, founded in 1946 through the initiative of Academician Viktor Ambartsumian.
The main direction of the observatory’s scientific activity is the study of unstable phenomena in the Universe.
Byurakan Observatory is located on the southern slope of Mount Aragats. It is equipped with 12 observational instruments, the largest of which is a 2.6-meter Cassegrain telescope. Another major instrument is the 1-meter Schmidt telescope.
The observatory’s architectural complex includes the administrative building and telescope towers, constructed in different phases. The buildings from the 1940s–1950s were designed by Samvel Safaryan, and those from the 1960s–1980s were designed by Sarkis Gurzadyan.
In addition to scientific research, the observatory also fulfills an educational and public outreach mission, organizing visits and lectures for amateur astronomers and the interested public.
Interesting
facts about The Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory
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Since 1998, the observatory has been named after Viktor Ambartsumian.
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Since its founding in 1946, numerous scientific events have been held at Byurakan, including four symposia and one colloquium of the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
Weather in Aragatsotn
The high season in Armenia lasts for a long time due to the pleasant climate conditions. Warm days in Armenia start in March and last until late autumn; winter is usually snowless and not long. The high precipitation season is variable. The tourist season for Byurakan Observatory depends on the weather conditions.
The Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory
FAQ
What is the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory?
It is one of the 33 research institutes of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, founded in 1946 on the initiative of Academician Viktor Ambartsumian, whose name it has carried since 1998. Its main field of research is the study of unstable phenomena in the Universe.
Where is the Byurakan Observatory?
The observatory stands on the southern slope of Mount Aragats in Armenia.
What telescopes does the observatory have?
Byurakan is equipped with 12 observational instruments. The largest is a 2.6-metre Cassegrain telescope, and another major instrument is the 1-metre Schmidt telescope.
Who designed the observatory buildings?
The complex of the administrative building and telescope towers was built in several phases: the buildings of the 1940s–1950s were designed by Samvel Safaryan, and those of the 1960s–1980s by Sarkis Gurzadyan.
Does the observatory welcome visitors?
Besides research, the observatory has an educational and public outreach mission and organises visits and lectures for amateur astronomers and the interested public. It has also hosted many scientific events, including four symposia and one colloquium of the International Astronomical Union.
Aragatsotn
Plan your visit
Address
Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory, Byurakan, Aragatsotn Province, Armenia
Aragatsotn
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