Pulkovo Observatory is an institution with which the whole 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 imperial empire. An observatory was also created to solve the problems of practical astronomy. Its grand opening took place on 08/19/1839
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 got an impetus for development, which contributed to the successes of the king so beloved navigation. Traveling in 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, 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 wide scope of the research.
Opening of the Pulkovo Observatory
Vasily Yakovlevich Struve founded a new astronomical school. This led to the creation of a new institution of this orientation. It was Pulkovo Observatory, the building of which was designed by the famous architect A.P. Bryullov. An extremely convenient location was chosen for this facility.
The observatory was built on Pulkovo Hill, which has a height of 75 m above sea level. On the other hand, Pulkovo was surrounded by flood meadows. This fact made it possible to avoid mists and dust interfering with the study and to achieve the transparency of air 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 versts would be useful for astronomers, not giving them opportunities for entertainment.
Main goals
Pulkovo Observatory from the very opening 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 tools for that time. In addition, her library stock included the best collections of specialized literature.
The goals of the observatory were set out in its charter. The main tasks that the scientists were supposed to solve were the following:
- 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 geographical enterprises and expeditions;
- Promoting the improvement of practical astronomy, its adaptation to navigation and geography.
Equipment
The choice of remarkable equipment for 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 heaven in that period, as well as from a prediction of the most probable variants of its development.
V. Ya. Struve set the task for his scientists to find out 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 to ensure the necessary accuracy of the work.
Further research
The work in Pulkovo became larger and more complex. In the sixties of the nineteenth century, astrophysical studies began to be conducted. Their goal was to obtain spectral analysis and study the brightness variations 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 motion of the poles of the Earth 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, she had already lost the status of the astronomical center of our planet by this time. The Pulkovo Observatory was an excellent observational institution, but was no longer at the head of the latest directions 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 rise and development of its activities. New centers for observing celestial bodies were opened in the USSR. Astronomical shots began to appear quickly.
The Pulkovo Observatory received new and perfect equipment, which made it possible to solve many delicate scientific problems. A large solar installation appeared in the institution - the Liter spectrograph. It allowed already in 1923 to begin the study of solar rotation. At the same time, a study was launched of the phenomena occurring in the heavenly luminary. The indicated process allowed the spectrographs to be carried out on a thirty-inch refractor.
The Pulkovo Observatory was equipped with another new instrument during this period. They became a zone astrograph. He allowed us to begin a wide range of studies 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 conducted during the reign of Stalin, Pulkovo was seriously affected. 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 German bombing. As a result, all of its buildings were destroyed, but most 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, astronomers continued to work, housed in the premises of the Arctic Institute, located at 38 Fontanka.
Since 1946, the restoration of the observatory in the old place began. In 1954, it was reopened. In the process, the pre-war functionality of the institution was restored. The surviving tools brought to working condition, modernized and began to be used again in research. In addition, equipment was replenished with a twenty-six-inch refractor telescope, a photographic polar telescope, a stellar interferometer, etc.
Activity results
The Pulkovo Observatory, whose history attests to the importance of this institution, has so far continued to conduct extensive research work in many areas. It was here that the methodology was developed regarding astronomical observations aimed at determining the exact position of stars. In addition, scientists at the Pulkovo Observatory have created catalogs by which they can determine their own movements of galaxies and stars. The findings were photographic observations. Scientists of the observatory conducted research on stars with their planetary systems. The results were obtained during the long long-term work. A theory of atmospheric refraction was also developed.
A number of studies were carried out at the Pulkovo Observatory, the result of which were outstanding astronomical discoveries. Among them are the following: revealing the speed at which large planets rotate, experimentally confirming the fragmentation of the rings of the planet Saturn, proof that stars of early spectral classes rotate at high speed, etc.
Branches
The main Pulkovo Astronomical Observatory has its own branches. They also carry out fundamental work. Thus, the observatory specialists created the Kislovodsk Mining Astronomical Station, as well as a laboratory in Blagoveshchensk. The Simeiz branch in 1945 became part of the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory.
Visit Pulkovo
The main astronomical observatory in Russia is a very interesting place. Visitors do not leave the feeling that they are in a different reality.
The Pulkovo Observatory organizes excursions not only daytime, but also nightly. There is a preliminary record on them. Time can be any. It all depends on the desire of visitors.
Excursions to the Pulkovo Observatory on weekdays are prescribed only if the weather is favorable. But, as a rule, groups are collected on weekends. It should be borne in mind that for those wishing to visit the observatory on Saturday-Sunday, recording opens on Wednesday-Thursday.
The Pulkovo Observatory conducts excursions only for formed groups, which include school classes. Astronomers and scientists acquaint visitors with the history of the establishment of the institution. They talk about interesting phenomena observed in space, and after that they even allow you to admire the celestial bodies, looking at a real telescope located under a sliding and spinning round roof. At such moments, any excursionist can feel like a real scientist. On night excursions, the planets of the solar system against a dark sky and star clusters will open to the eyes of visitors. During the excursions, they are invited to visit the observatory museum and watch a film about space objects in 3D.
Pleasure and a walk along the Pulkovo hill. On its territory you can see numerous constructions of strange shapes and strange purposes. In addition, in the park, which does not reach the noise of the city, many squirrels live. 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 amazing place is the Pulkovo Observatory. The address of this institution is Pulkovo highway, 65.
Museum
Guided tours for adults and children introduce visitors to the past of Russian astronomical science, as well as its present. The unique exhibits of the museum, located in the main building of the Pulkovo Observatory, include computing and measuring equipment, geodetic instruments, and the optics of the largest telescopes of past centuries. Portraits of astronomers and scientists of past years are also placed here.
The Pulkovo Observatory Museum is located in an unusual place. A meridian runs through the center of its Round Hall. It is called "Pulkovo".
Keeping abreast of the latest discoveries and developments in astronomy is currently not so difficult. The Pulkovo Observatory has a website on the Internet (http: // www. Gao. Spb. Ru). By visiting it, you can get acquainted with the latest in astronomical literature, read the latest news and learn a lot of interesting things about the past and present of “heavenly science”.