Georgian National Astrophysical Observatory

The Georgian National Astrophysical Observatory is a research facility located on Mount Kanobili in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. It sits at approximately 1650 meters elevation surrounded by coniferous forests and houses multiple telescopes for observing celestial objects.

This facility was established in 1932 and was the first astrophysical observatory specifically built in the Soviet Union for this purpose. A significant telescope from Carl Zeiss was installed a few years later and became central to ongoing research.

The observatory serves as a meeting place for scientists from different regions who share their discoveries and methods. Its remote mountain location attracts researchers who value the clear skies needed for serious study.

The facility is reachable on foot from Abastumani and sits several hours south of Tbilisi in the mountains. Visitors should expect cold weather and steep paths, particularly in the cooler months.

The facility houses one of the oldest functioning Carl Zeiss telescopes, which has been tracking celestial objects since 1934. This particular instrument is a rare remnant from an era when such equipment was available to only a handful of institutions worldwide.

Location: Abastumani

Inception: February 8, 1932

Elevation above the sea: 1,650 m

Operator: ილიას სახელმწიფო უნივერსიტეტი

Website: http://observatory.iliauni.edu.ge

GPS coordinates: 41.75417,42.81944

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:40