Astronomical Pulkovo Observatory

Pulkovo Observatory is an institution with which the entire history of Russian astronomy is closely related. Initially, it was used as a place for observations that were necessary for geographical enterprises of the tsarist empire. An observatory was also created to solve the problems of practical astronomy. Its grand opening took place on August 19, 1839.

The history of the creation of domestic observatories

Peter the Great also introduced the study of many exact sciences and their practical applications. At the same time, the astronomy that promoted the success of the navigation so beloved by the tsar was also stimulated. Traveling in England and Denmark, Peter I certainly tried to visit the astronomical observatories in these countries.

In 1724 the Academy of Sciences was founded. A year later, the first Russian astronomical observatory was opened, which became one of the best in Europe. Peter the Great paid much attention to the equipment of this institution. All the equipment available at that time indicated a large scale of ongoing research.

The discovery of the Pulkovo Observatory

Vasily Yakovlevich Struve founded a new astronomical school. This led to the creation of a new institution of this orientation. They became the Pulkovo Observatory, the building of which was built according to the project of the famous architect A. P. Briullov. An extremely convenient place was chosen for this building.

The observatory was built on Pulkovo Hill, which is 75 m high above sea level. On the other hand Pulkovo was surrounded by meadows. This fact made it possible to avoid fogs and dust interfering with the investigation and to achieve the transparency required for observations. Among other things, V. Ya. Struve, who became the first director of the institution, was confident that the distance from the northern capital of seventeen versts would be useful for astronomers, not giving them the opportunity for entertainment.

Main goals

Pulkovo Observatory since the very discovery played a large role in the development of astronomy. At the same time, it was deservedly called the astronomical capital of the world. Thanks to the efforts of V. Ya. Struve, the observatory had the latest equipment and instruments for that time. In addition, its library fund included the best collections of specialized literature.

The aims of the observatory were set out in its charter. The main tasks that were to be solved by scientists were as follows:

- constant and at the same time perfect observations, contributing to the success of astronomy;

- production of observations, the results of which were important for the empire, as well as its geographic enterprises and expeditions;

- assistance in the improvement of practical astronomy, its adaptation to navigation and geography.

Equipment

The choice of the remarkable equipment of the observatory was made by V. Ya. Struve. At the same time, Vasily Yakovlevich proceeded from a clear awareness of the state of the science of the sky in that period, as well as from the foresight of the most probable variants of its development.

Before his scientific staff V. Ya. Struve posed the problem of clarifying the trajectory of the motion of stars, as well as determining the distance to these celestial bodies. By its development, a unique powerful equipment was built, designed to ensure the necessary accuracy of the work.

Further research

Work in Pulkovo became more and more large and complex. In the sixties of the nineteenth century, astrophysical studies began. Their goal was to obtain spectral analysis and study the variation in the brightness of stellar bodies. At the end of the last century, work began on astrometry of a photographic species and celestial mechanics. In addition, the Sun was observed and the motion of the Earth's poles was studied.

It is worth saying that at the beginning of the twentieth century the Pulkovo Observatory was still one of the largest in the world. However, the status of the astronomical center of our planet, she had already lost by this time. The observatory in Pulkovo was an excellent observatory, but no longer at the head of the newest directions of scientific activity. Its main purpose was to collect a variety of observational material and to ascertain individual details.

The Soviet period

During the years of Soviet power, the Pulkovo Astronomical Observatory again began to take the path of rapid growth and development of its activities. In the USSR, new centers for observing celestial bodies were opened. Astronomical shots began to appear quickly.

The observatory in Pulkovo received new perfect equipment, which allowed solving many subtle scientific problems. Appeared in the institution of a large solar installation - Littro spectrograph. In 1923 it allowed the study of solar rotation. At the same time, a study of the phenomena taking place on the heavenly body began. This process made it possible to perform spectrographs on a thirty-inch refractor.

Another observatory in Pulkovo is equipped with this new instrument. They became a zone astrograph. He allowed to start a wide range of works on the study of galactic dark matter, as well as the structure of the Milky Way. In addition, the observatory is equipped with the most valuable installations and instruments, without which modern astrometric and astrographic studies are impossible.

During the repressions held during the reign of Stalin, Pulkovo also suffered seriously. Many astronomical scientists were accused of participating in terrorist organizations and executed.

From the very beginning of the war of 1941-1945, the observatory was subjected to German bombing. As a result, all its buildings were destroyed, but most of the equipment and a unique library was saved.

Recovery

During the war, some members of the observatory went to the front, while others lived and worked at the Tashkent Observatory. After the Great Victory, astronomers continued their work, located in the premises of the Arctic Institute, located at Fontanka, 38.

Since 1946, the observatory began its restoration in the old place. In 1954 it was reopened. In the process of completed work, the pre-war functionality of the institution was restored. The remaining tools were brought to working condition, modernized and re-used in research. In addition, the equipment was replenished with a twenty-six-inch telescope-refractor, a photographic polar telescope, a stellar interferometer, and so on.

Results of activity

The Pulkovo Observatory, whose history attests to the importance of this institution, still continues extensive research work in many areas. It was here that a technique was developed, dealing with astronomical observations, aimed at determining the precise position of the stars. In addition, scientists of the Pulkovo Observatory have created catalogs on which it is possible to determine the proper motions of galaxies and stars. The data for the findings were photographic observations. Scientists of the observatory conducted studies of stars with their planetary systems. The results were obtained during a long period of many years of work. A theory was also developed on atmospheric refraction.

The Pulkovo Observatory conducted a number of studies, which resulted in outstanding astronomical discoveries. Among them are the following: the detection of the speed with which large planets rotate, the confirmation by experimentally of the fragmentation of the rings of the planet Saturn, the proof that stars of early spectral classes rotate at high speed, etc.

Branches

The Pulkovo Astronomical Observatory has its own branches. They also carry out fundamental works. Thus, the observatory specialists created the Kislovodsk mountain astronomical station, as well as a laboratory in Blagoveshchensk. The Simeiz Branch in 1945 became part of the Astrophysical Crimean Observatory.

Visit Pulkovo

The main astronomical observatory of Russia is a very interesting place. Visitors are not left feeling that they have got to other reality.

The Pulkovo observatory of the excursion arranges not only daytime, but also night. They have a preliminary record. Time can be anything. Everything depends on the desire of visitors.

Excursions to the Pulkovo Observatory on weekdays are appointed only if it is favored by the weather. But, as a rule, groups gather on weekends. It should be borne in mind that for those wishing to visit the observatory on Saturday and Sunday, the recording opens on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Pulkovo observatory of the excursion holds only for formed groups, including school classes. Astronomers and scientists acquaint visitors with the history of the establishment of the institution. They tell us about interesting phenomena observed in space, and after that they are even allowed to admire the heavenly bodies, looking into a real telescope located under a sliding and twisting round roof. At such moments any tourist can feel like a real scientist. On night excursions, the visitors of the planet will see the planets of the solar system against the background of the dark sky and star clusters. During the excursions you are invited to visit the Observatory Museum and watch a movie about space objects in 3D format.

Pleasure will also take a walk along the Pulkovo Hill. On its territory you can see numerous buildings of strange shapes and obscure destinations. In addition, in the park, which does not reach the noise of the city, there is a lot of protein. They can be fed directly from the hands. The duration of the tour is two hours, and its cost is within five hundred rubles.

An interesting and surprising place is the Pulkovo Observatory. The address of this institution is Pulkovskoe shosse, 65.

The Museum

Excursions, conducted for adults and children, introduce visitors to the past of astronomical Russian science, as well as its present. Unique exhibits of the museum located in the main building of the Pulkovo Observatory are computing and measuring equipment, geodetic instruments, optics of the largest telescopes of past centuries. There are also portraits of astronomers and scientists of the past.

The Pulkovo Observatory Museum is in an unusual place. A meridian passes through the center of its Round Hall. It is called "Pulkovo".

To be aware of the latest discoveries and developments of astronomy at the present time is not so difficult. The Pulkovo Observatory has a website on the Internet (http: // www. Gao. Spb. Ru). Visiting it, you can get acquainted with novelties of astronomical literature, read the latest news and learn a lot of interesting information about the past and present of "heavenly science".