Assy-Turgen Observatory

Assy-Turgen Observatory is a research facility situated on a mountain plateau at 2,750 meters (9,000 feet) elevation, roughly 75 kilometers (47 miles) east of Almaty. The site houses multiple telescopes, including the 1.5-meter AZT-20 and the Nazarbayev University Transient Telescope installed in 2018.

The facility opened in 1981 with a Zeiss-1000 telescope but ceased operations after the Soviet Union dissolved. Activities resumed in 2014, marking the beginning of a new phase with upgraded equipment and renewed research programs.

The observatory serves as a regional hub for astronomical research and attracts scientists from across Central Asia. Visitors can observe how modern instruments are used to study the cosmos and see the collaborative nature of international science.

The site is accessible only by special vehicles, and winter conditions can make the mountain route challenging. Visitors should prepare for cool weather and the thin air at this high elevation.

The plateau location benefits from exceptionally low light pollution and stable atmospheric conditions year-round. These ideal viewing circumstances were deliberately chosen during the site selection process in the 1970s.

Location: Almaty Region

Elevation above the sea: 2,750 m

GPS coordinates: 43.22389,77.87083

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:00