Arkhyz - Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Everyone knows that observatories have been built to study the cosmos of physics. But did you know that they are also used for observations in climatology, meteorology, geology, and volcanology? This requires powerful telescopes with a huge mirror. Such a device is also in Russia, it is called the "large azimuth telescope" (BAT).

Where is the observatory of the RAS

The largest astronomical observatory is located in the mountains of Karachay-Cherkessia. This is the edge of mountain beauty. To see a large telescope, you have to go to the Zelenchuksky area. The complex stands on Mount Pastukhov between two settlements - the same village and the village of Arkhyz. So, for example, from Krasnodar to Nizhny Arkhiz go only 346 kilometers.

From Zelenchukskaya village you need to go towards Arkhyz. Along the way, you will meet a small beautiful church and a market where you sell souvenirs. After driving a little less than a kilometer, you will rest against the barrier. It is open during the excursion time.

Road of good quality. You rise higher on a serpentine road. The drivers of excursion buses always park on the viewing platform so that travelers can make beautiful photos against the backdrop of the Abishir-Ahuba mountain range over the river Bolshoe Zelenchuk. The dome of the main observatory of the country is already visible.

Astrophysical complex

The special astrophysical observatory was opened in the USSR in 1966. It was developed and created for the collective use of a large azimuth telescope, as well as the radio telescope RATAN-600. Its feature is that the antenna diameter is 600 meters. In the Soviet years it was the largest and most powerful telescope in the world.

These devices were commissioned in the 1970s, it should be noted that they are still relevant today. With their help, investigate the objects of both near and far space by the method of terrestrial astronomy.

Today, the Special Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences is also the largest center for observations of outer space in the state. The height of the observatory dome is 53 meters. For repair works of a dome of technics and mechanics use a gantry crane with a cobra. The mobile part of the telescope has a weight of more than 650 tons, and the weight of the telescope is totally 850 tons.

The complex is divided into two large sections: upper and lower.

• Lower platform: Zelenchuksky district, Nizhny Arkhyz settlement. The observatory there has laboratory and residential buildings, a hostel and management services.
• Upper platform: 17 km away from the village along a serpentine road up the Pastukhova mountain, there is a large telescope at an altitude of more than two kilometers. There are two more small telescopes. The telescope "Zeiss-1000" has a mirror diameter of 1 meter, "Zeiss-600" - a mirror diameter of 0.6 meters.

In 20 kilometers from the village of Nizhny Arkhyz the observatory has one more object. This is the radio telescope RATAN. There is also a laboratory building and a cafe.

How does an observatory with a telescope work?

Beautiful views around the village of Arkhyz. The observatory does not work every day. For excursions there are special days: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 9:30 to 16:00. The tour does not last long. If there is time left before the start, it's a sin not to walk around the neighborhood. In the hall of a scientific institution they sell books, magnets, postcards with pictures taken by a large azimuth telescope. Sometimes in a small special hall they show an interesting documentary about the stars.

Excursion in the astrophysical center

Visiting the observatory is strictly regulated, only forty minutes. During this time, the guide (a researcher of the SAO RAS) will tell you how BTA was created and many interesting facts. For example, for this telescope it was necessary to have a mirror six meters in diameter, weighing 42 tons. He was poured then back in Leningrad. According to the technology, it was necessary to wait about two years to cool down. But our scientists were in a great hurry. And on the way to Arkhyz (Zelenchukskiy district), it cracked, because it cooled earlier than it should be. Then we created the second mirror. For him managed to build a specially new, wide road to the mountains to the village of Arkhyz. The observatory received a mirror, which today serves for the benefit of astrophysics.

During the tour, you will climb the spiral staircase. And on the top floor you will wait for the treasured door leading to the largest telescope in Russia, which monitors the universe and various galaxies. The Observatory has its own website. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that, sitting at home behind the laptop, you can watch the views from the telescope in real time.

Conclusion

Having visited Zelenchuksky district and its sights, you will not only visit the ancient mountainous regions, but also become one step closer to the world of stars. The Arkhyz resort is amazing and unique. The observatory opens up astounding cosmic species for scientists! For curious tourists there are guided tours with the opportunity to look through the telescope. The path to the stars is closer than you think. Plunge into the starry and mountain worlds!