Pulkovo Observatory - an institution which is closely linked with the entire history of Russian astronomy.Initially it was used as a place for observations, which were necessary geographic businesses tsarist empire.Observatory was created to solve the problems and practical astronomy.Its grand opening was held on 08.19.1839, the
History domestic observatories
Even Peter the Great introduced the study of many of the exact sciences and their practical applications.At the same time I received a boost to the development of astronomy and that promote the success of such a beloved king of navigation.Traveling to England and Denmark, Peter I will certainly try to visit these countries equipped astronomical observatory.
In 1724 the Academy of Sciences was founded.One year later, the opening of Russia's first astronomical observatory, which has become one of the best in Europe.Peter the Great paid great attention to equipping the institution.All available at the time the equipment indicated the large scale of the research.
opening of the Pulkovo Observatory
Friedrich Georg Wilhelm von Struve founded a new school of astronomy.This led to the creation of a new institution of this orientation.They became the Pulkovo Observatory, building which was built by the famous architect A. Briullov.For this construction was selected very comfortable place.
Pulkovo Observatory was built on a hill, with a height of 75 meters above sea level.On the other hand Pulkovo is surrounded by meadows.This fact allows to avoid hindering the investigation of fog and dust and achieve the desired transparency of the air observation.In addition, Struve, who became the first director of the institution, was sure that the distance from the northern capital of seventeen miles will be useful to astronomers, giving them opportunities for entertainment.
main tasks
Pulkovo Observatory since its opening has played a major role in the development of astronomy.At the same time it deservedly became known astronomical capital of the world.Thanks to the efforts Struve Observatory was the latest time for equipment and tools.In addition, its library fund includes the best collection of specialized literature.
objectives of the Observatory setting out in its charter.The main objectives of which were to decide scientists, were the following:
- constant and at the same time improved observations that contribute to prosperity of astronomy;
- production of observations, the results of which were important to the Empire, as well as its geographic and business missions;
- facilitating improvement of practical astronomy, its adaptation to the navigation and geography.
equipment
Choice remarkable equip the observatory was made Struve.At the same time, Vasily Yakovlevich came from a clear understanding of what state the science of the sky at that time, as well as forecasting the most likely options for its development.
to their academic staff Struve has set the task to ascertain the trajectory of the stars, as well as to determine the distances to these heavenly bodies.In his development it was built a unique powerful equipment designed to deliver the required accuracy of the operations.
Further studies
works at Pulkovo became bigger and harder.In the sixties of the nineteenth century began to be held astrophysical research.Their goal was to obtain the spectral analysis and the study of changes in brightness of stellar bodies.At the end of the last century began to carry out work on the type of photographic astrometry and celestial mechanics.In addition, observations were made of the Sun and study the motion of the Earth's poles.
It is said that in the early twentieth century the Pulkovo Observatory was still one of the largest in the world.However, the status of the astronomical center of the world, she had already lost.Pulkovo Observatory is a magnificent supervisory institution, but it did not stand at the head of the newest trends of scientific activity.Its main purpose was to collect various observational data and clarify certain details.
Soviet period
In the years of Soviet power the Pulkovo Astronomical Observatory once again on the path of rapid recovery and development of their activities.In the Soviet Union opened new centers of observation of celestial bodies.Quickly began to appear and astronomical images.
Pulkovo Observatory has received new sophisticated equipment that allowed to solve many scientific problems thin.It appeared in the establishment of a large solar installation - littrovsky spectrograph.It has allowed in 1923 to begin the study of the solar rotation.At the same time it unfolded study of the phenomena occurring in the heavenly body.This process made it possible to implement spectrographs tridtsatidyuymovom refractor.
Another new tool is equipped with this period in the Pulkovo Observatory.They became a band astrograph.It is possible to start a wide range of studies of the galactic dark matter, as well as the structure of the Milky Way.In addition, the observatory is equipped with the most valuable machinery and apparatus, without which no modern astrometric and Astrographic research.
during the repression carried out during the reign of Stalin, seriously injured and Pulkovo.Many scientists and astronomers were accused of involvement in terrorist organizations and executed.
From the very beginning of the war of 1941-1945, the observatory was subjected to German bombings.As a result of all of its buildings destroyed, but most of the equipment and a unique library was saved.
Recovery
During the war, some officers went to the front of the observatory, while others lived and worked at the Tashkent Observatory.After the Great Victory, astronomers continued to work with a stay in the premises of the Arctic Institute, located at Fontanka, 38.
Since 1946, the restoration of the observatory at the old place.In 1954 it was reopened.During the work we restored the functionality of the pre-war institution.The surviving tools resulted in a working condition, upgraded and re-used in steel research.Additionally, the equipment was supplemented dvadtsatishestidyuymovym refractor telescope, a photographic polar telescope, stellar interferometer, and so on. D.
Results of
Pulkovo Observatory, which history shows the importance of this institution, to date continues extensive research work on many fronts.This is where the technique was developed regarding the astronomical observations that aim to determine the exact position of the stars.In addition, scientists from the Pulkovo Observatory creates a directory, which can determine the proper motions of galaxies and stars.Data for these conclusions become photographic observations.Observatory scientists studied the stars and their planetary systems.The results were obtained in the course of long years of work.Also it developed a theory of atmospheric refraction.
The Pulkovo Observatory conducted a number of studies which were outstanding astronomical discoveries.Among them are the following: identification of the speed at which the planets revolve large, experimentally confirmed by the fragmentation of the rings of the planet Saturn, the evidence that early-type stars are rotating at high speed, etc.
Affiliates
Home Pulkovo Astronomical Observatory has offices.They also carried out fundamental work.So, experts Observatory created Kislovodsk Mountain Astronomical Station, as well as the laboratory in Blagoveshchensk.Simeiz branch in 1945 became part of the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory.
Visit
Pulkovo Main Astronomical Observatory of Russia - it is a very interesting place.Visitors can not help feeling that they were in a different reality.
Pulkovo Observatory arranges tours not only day but also at night.For them there is a preliminary record.Time can be anything.It all depends on the desire of visitors.
Excursions at the Pulkovo Observatory in the week appointed only if the weather is favorable.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 Entry opens on Wednesday-Thursday.
Pulkovo Observatory tours are only formed groups, which include and school classes.Astronomers and scientists acquaint visitors with the history of the institution.They say they are the interesting phenomena observed in space, and after even allowed to enjoy the heavenly bodies, looking in at the telescope, located under a retractable roof and spinning round.At such moments, any tripper can feel like a real scientist.On the night tours visitors open gaze of the planet of the solar system against the dark sky, and star clusters.During the tours offered to visit the museum of the observatory and view a film about space objects in 3D.
pleasure and take a walk through Pulkovo hill.On its territory you can see many strange forms and structures of unknown purpose.In addition, in the park, which does not reach to the noise of the city, there are many protein.They can feed directly from the source.Duration of the tour is two hours, and its cost - within five hundred rubles.
interesting and amazing place is the Pulkovo Observatory.Address of the institution - Pulkovo highway, 65.
Museum Tours conducted for adults and children, introduce visitors to the previous astronomical Russian science, as well as its present.The unique exhibits of the museum, located in the main building of the Pulkovo Observatory, - a computer and measuring equipment, surveying instruments, optics of the largest telescopes of the past centuries.There also are portraits of astronomers and scientists of the past years.
Museum Pulkovo Observatory is located in an unusual place.Through its center Round Hall passes the meridian.It is called "Pulkovo".
Be aware of the latest discoveries and developments in astronomy is now not so difficult.Has Pulkovo Observatory Internet site (http: // www. Gao. Spb. Ru).By visiting it, you can learn about the latest astronomical literature, read the latest news and learn a lot about the past and present "celestial science."
