Purple Mountain Observatory

Purple Mountain Observatory is a major research facility with five branch locations across Qinghai, Ganyu, Xuyi, Honghe, and Qingdao provinces. The institution operates modern telescopes and instruments dedicated to tracking near-Earth objects and conducting planetary research.

The observatory was founded in 1928 and officially opened in 1934, though it temporarily relocated to Kunming during the Japanese invasion from 1937 to 1946. This relocation reflects the difficulties Chinese scientific institutions faced during wartime.

The observatory serves as a center for sharing astronomical knowledge, hosting lectures and educational programs for students and researchers interested in space exploration. It plays a role in connecting people with scientific discovery and celestial observation.

The facility spans multiple locations across different provinces, so visitors should plan accordingly if they wish to visit the main site or any of the branch offices. Checking ahead about operating hours and specific programs at each location will help ensure a worthwhile visit.

Between 1955 and 1983, researchers here discovered 149 minor planets and multiple periodic comets, including Comet 60P/Tsuchinshan, making it one of the most prolific discovery centers of that era. Such achievements illustrate how this facility contributed significantly to expanding human knowledge of the solar system.

Location: Xuanwu District

Inception: 1928

Official opening: 1934

Elevation above the sea: 267 m

Website: http://english.pmo.cas.cn

GPS coordinates: 32.06692,118.82497

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:00