BTA-6, Optical research telescope in Zelenchuksky District, Russia.
BTA-6 is a large reflecting telescope located at 2070 meters elevation in the Caucasus Mountains. It has a primary mirror 605 centimeters in diameter, designed specifically to capture light from distant and faint astronomical objects.
The telescope was completed in the 1970s and held the position of the world's largest optical reflecting telescope until the 1990s. Its construction represented a major achievement in Soviet astronomy and enabled groundbreaking observations of stars and galaxies.
The Special Astrophysical Observatory represents the dedication of Russian scientists to astronomical research, attracting researchers from multiple nations for collaborative projects.
The facility is located in the mountains and requires travel through rural areas, so personal transport is advisable for reaching it. Visits are typically limited due to ongoing research activities, so advance registration with the observatory is recommended.
The observatory operates alongside the RATAN-600 radio telescope, making it a rare place where optical and radio astronomy are conducted side by side. This combination allows researchers to study the sky using two completely different methods at the same site.
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