Pulkovo Observatory is an institution with which the entire history of Russian astronomy is closely connected. Initially, it was used as a place for observations, which were necessary for the geographical enterprises of the tsarist empire. An observatory was also created to solve problems of practical astronomy. Its grand opening took place on August 19, 1839
The history of the creation of domestic observatories
Even Peter the Great introduced the study of many exact sciences and their practical applications. At the same time, astronomy also received an impetus to development, which contributed to the success of the navigation so beloved by the king. Traveling around England and Denmark, Peter I certainly tried to visit the astronomical observatories equipped in these countries.
In 1724 the Academy of Sciences was founded. A year later, the opening of the first Russian astronomical observatory took place, which became one of the best in Europe. Peter the Great paid great attention to the equipment of this institution. All the equipment available at that time testified to the extensive research being carried out.
Opening of Pulkovoobservatories
Vasily Yakovlevich Struve founded a new astronomical school. This led to the creation of a new institution in this direction. They became the Pulkovo Observatory, the building of which was built according to the project of the famous architect A. P. Bryullov. An extremely convenient location was chosen for this structure.
The observatory was erected on Pulkovsky Hill, which has a height of 75 m above sea level. On the other hand, Pulkovo was surrounded by water meadows. This fact made it possible to avoid fogs and dust interfering with the study and to achieve the air transparency required for observations. Among other things, V. Ya. Struve, who became the first director of the institution, was sure that the distance from the northern capital of seventeen miles would be useful for astronomers, not giving them the opportunity for entertainment.
Main Tasks
The Pulkovo Observatory has played a big role in the development of astronomy since its opening. At the same time, it deservedly began to be 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 collection included the best collections of specialized literature.
The goals of the observatory were set out in its charter. The main tasks that the researchers had to solve were the following:
- constant and at the same time the most perfect observations that contribute to the success of astronomy;
- production of observations, the results of which were important for the empire, as well asits geographical enterprises and expeditions;
- promoting 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 understanding of the state of the science of the sky at that time, as well as from the prediction of the most probable options for its development.
V. Ya. Struve set the task for his scientists to determine the trajectory of the motion of stars, as well as to determine the distance to these celestial bodies. According to his developments, unique powerful equipment was built, designed to ensure the necessary accuracy of the work carried out.
Further research
The work at Pulkovo became bigger and more complex. In the sixties of the nineteenth century, astrophysical research began to be carried out. Their goal was to obtain a spectral analysis and study the change in the brightness of stellar bodies. At the end of the last century, work began on photographic astrometry and celestial mechanics. In addition, the Sun was observed and the movement 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, by this time it had already lost the status of the astronomical center of our planet. The Pulkovo observatory was an excellent observational institution, but it no longer stood at the head of the latestdirections of scientific activity. Its main goal was to collect a variety of observational material and clarify individual details.
Soviet period
During the years of Soviet power, the Pulkovo Astronomical Observatory again embarked on the path of rapid growth and development of its activities. New centers for observing celestial bodies were opened in the USSR. Astronomical footage quickly began to appear.
The Pulkovo Observatory received new advanced equipment, which made it possible to solve many subtle scientific problems. A large solar installation appeared in the institution - a Littrian spectrograph. It made it possible already in 1923 to begin studying the solar rotation. At the same time, a study of phenomena occurring in the heavenly body began. This process made it possible to implement spectrographs on a thirty-inch refractor.
Another new instrument is being equipped at the Pulkovo observatory during this period. They became the zone astrograph. It made it possible 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 carried out during the years of Stalin's rule, Pulkovo was also seriously damaged. Many astronomers were accused of participating in terrorist organizations and executed.
From the very beginning of the war of 1941-1945, the observatory was subjected to Germanbombing. As a result, all its buildings were destroyed, but the main part of the equipment and the unique library were saved.
Recovery
During the war, some employees of the observatory went to the front, while others lived and worked at the Tashkent observatory. After the Great Victory, the astronomers continued their work, staying in the premises of the Arctic Institute, located at Fontanka, 38.
Since 1946, the restoration of the observatory began in the old place. In 1954 it was reopened. In the course of the work performed, the pre-war functionality of the institution was restored. The surviving instruments were put into working condition, modernized and began to be used again in research. In addition, the equipment was replenished with a twenty-six-inch refractor telescope, a photographic polar telescope, a stellar interferometer, etc.
Performance results
The Pulkovo Observatory, whose history testifies to the importance of this institution, continues to this day extensive research work in many areas. It was here that a technique was developed regarding astronomical observations aimed at determining the exact position of the stars. In addition, scientists at the Pulkovo Observatory have created catalogs that can be used to determine the proper motions of galaxies and stars. The data for the findings were photographic observations. Observatory scientists have studied stars with their planetary systems. The results were received induring many years of work. A theory about atmospheric refraction has also been developed.
A number of studies were carried out at the Pulkovo Observatory, which resulted in outstanding astronomical discoveries. Among them are the following: revealing the speed at which large planets rotate, experimental confirmation of the fragmentation of the rings of the planet Saturn, proof that stars of early spectral classes rotate at a high speed, etc.
Branches
The main Pulkovo Astronomical Observatory has its own departments. They also carry out fundamental work. Thus, the specialists of the observatory created the Kislovodsk mountain astronomical station, as well as a laboratory in Blagoveshchensk. The Simeiz branch became part of the Astrophysical Crimean Observatory in 1945.
Visit Pulkovo
The main astronomical observatory of Russia is a very interesting place. Visitors can't help feeling that they have entered another reality.
Pulkovo Observatory excursions are arranged not only during the day, but also at night. They have a pre-registration. The time can be anything. It all depends on the desire of visitors.
Excursions to the Pulkovo Observatory on weekdays are scheduled only if the weather is favorable. But, as a rule, groups gather on weekends. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that for those wishing to visit the observatory on Saturday-Sunday, registration opens on Wednesday-Thursday.
Pulkovo ObservatoryExcursions are conducted only for formed groups, which include school classes. Astronomers and scientists acquaint visitors with the history of the institution. They talk about interesting phenomena observed in space, and then they even allow you to admire the celestial bodies, looking through a real telescope located under a retractable and rotating round roof. At such moments, any sightseer can feel like a real scientist. On night excursions, visitors will see the planets of the solar system against the background of a dark sky and star clusters. During the excursions, it is proposed to visit the observatory museum and watch a film about space objects in 3D format.
Pulkovo Hill will also give you pleasure. On its territory you can see numerous structures of strange shape and incomprehensible purpose. In addition, many squirrels live in the park, which is not reached by the noise of the city. You can feed them directly from your hands. The duration of the tour is two hours, and its cost is within five hundred rubles.
An interesting and amazing place is the Pulkovo Observatory. The address of this institution is Pulkovskoe shosse, 65.
Museum
Excursions for adults and children introduce visitors to the past of Russian astronomical science, as well as to its present. The 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 the past centuries. It also houses portraits of astronomers and scientists of the past.years.
The Pulkovo Observatory Museum is located in an unusual place. A meridian runs through the center of its Round Hall. It is called Pulkovsky.
Being aware of the latest discoveries and developments in astronomy is currently not so difficult. The Pulkovo Observatory has a website on the Internet (https://www.gao.spb.ru). By visiting it, you can get acquainted with the latest astronomical literature, read the latest news and learn a lot of interesting things about the past and present of "celestial science".
