10 Reasons to Visit the Byurakan Observatory
Astronomy is the science of the Universe, celestial bodies, and the phenomena associated with them. Of course, understanding all of this requires a certain age and time. However, for me, it has always been pleasant to think that it is as real as it is unreal and beautiful.
I believe everyone should visit an observatory at least once and discover their own “theorem” about astronomy. It is a window into the Universe, a discovery of power, an appreciation of beauty, and the beginning of a new imagination.
During my conversation with Areg Mickaelian, Director of the Viktor Ambartsumian Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory of the NAS RA and author of more than 120 scientific papers published in prestigious international journals and conference proceedings, I tried to find reasons why one should visit the observatory.
Initially, we had planned to present only 10 reasons to visit the observatory, but along the way we lost count of the reasons. As for the rest, Areg Mickaelian did not want to reveal them, saying, “The rest—on site.”
Below I present why you should visit the Byurakan Observatory.
- Astronomy is the most fascinating science.
- Armenia is an astronomical country. By the decision of the International Astronomical Center, Armenia was selected as the leading country in the region, being the most advanced and the most suitable in terms of development. Amusingly, despite being a small village, Byurakan has appeared on the list of the world’s ten major cities that have hosted the largest number of official and international astronomical conferences.
- This is where the great Armenian scientist Viktor Ambartsumian lived and worked.
- The Regional Astronomical Centre for South-West and Central Asia is located here, coordinating the development of astronomy throughout our vast region.
- To see the region’s largest 2.6-meter telescope.
- To visit the Viktor Ambartsumian House-Museum (a separate article about the house-museum is coming soon).
- One of Armenia’s UNESCO-recognized values is preserved here—the Markarian Spectral Survey. It includes the largest survey of the nearby Universe and is considered one of the greatest achievements of 20th-century astrophysics. It is unique in its nature and was the first systematic program for searching active galaxies, resulting in the discovery of 1,500 galaxies with ultraviolet excess.
- To meet a professional astronomer. Believe me, they are happy to answer any question, even if it seems far too simple to them. 🙂
- To take a journey across the night sky through a professional telescope.
- Because only at an observatory on Earth can you feel as if you are in Space.
- To see how astronomers work.
- To look at Mount Ararat from the southern slope of Mount Aragats and feel its greatness even more.
- To become familiar with the Armenian names of celestial objects.
- To see one of the finest examples of Armenian architecture—the architectural complex of the observatory.
- To enjoy the nature of Byurakan and the observatory’s rich botanical garden and birdlife.
