Byurakan Observatory, Armenia
In the small Armenian village of Byurakan, against the backdrop of Mount Aragats, one of the country’s highest spots, several silver domes can be seen shining in the sun. These domes cover the Byurakan Observatory, a premier astronomical center which was established during the Soviet era.
The man behind the observatory’s establishment is an Armenian hero, who led many advancements in astrophysics, both in the country and globally: Victor Ambartsumian. He was one of the earliest to work in the field of theoretical astrophysics and one of its pioneers.
The observatory was founded in 1946 and is home to what was for several years the largest telescope in the USSR, a 2.6m Cassegrain reflector. Under Ambartsumian’s leadership, studies at the observatory related to instability phenomena around the universe, which remains the cornerstone of their research program today. Ambartsumian himself lived near the facility and conducted experiments till he passed away in 1996.
Epic Armenia Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
Own or work here?
