Kamenskoe Plateau Observatory

The Kamenskoe Plateau Observatory is an astronomical facility located at 1,450 meters on elevated terrain near Almaty. The site contains multiple telescopes used for observing distant galaxies, individual stars, planets, and satellites that orbit above Earth.

The facility was built in 1947 by Japanese prisoners of war in the years following World War II. This construction established a major center for astronomical research in Kazakhstan.

The observatory houses the ASI-2 telescope, which led to the discovery of the Churyumov-Gerasimenko comet and displays the Sikhote-Alin meteorite.

Visitors can join guided night tours designed for groups of up to 30 people. These tours provide access to buildings and telescopes with expert assistance while observing celestial objects.

The observatory's ASI-2 telescope became known for discovering the Churyumov-Gerasimenko comet, which later became the target of a European space probe. The Sikhote-Alin meteorite is also displayed here, showing visitors the story of space objects that reach Earth.

Location: Almaty

Location: Kamennoye Plato

Official opening: 1947

Elevation above the sea: 1,450 m

GPS coordinates: 43.17669,76.96614

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:05