Rozhen Observatory, Astronomical observatory in Smolyan Province, Bulgaria
Rozhen Observatory is an astronomical research facility in the Rhodope Mountains of Bulgaria, sitting at around 1,700 meters (5,580 ft) above sea level. It houses several telescopes, including the largest optical telescope on the Balkan Peninsula.
Planning for the observatory started in the 1950s, but it did not open until 1981 after a long process of site selection and construction. Since then, it has remained the main center for professional astronomy in Bulgaria.
The observatory is named after the Rozhen area, not a village; it stands on Mount Sveti Duh above the Rozhen locality near Chepelare. Its team of about 50 astronomers works at Bulgaria's main astronomical research centre, and the site's code is 071. The minor planet 6267 Rozhen was discovered here and named after the observatory.
The site sits high in the mountains, so warm clothing is a good idea even in summer, as temperatures can drop quickly after sunset. Evening and night visits offer the best conditions for sky observation, so planning ahead is worth it.
The minor planet 6267 Rozhen was discovered at the observatory and named after it. The asteroid (4486) Mithra was also discovered there on 20 September 1987 by V. Shkodrov and E. Elst.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 94,389 contributors worldwide.
