Baikal Astrophysical Observatory, Scientific observatory in Listvyanka, Russia
The Baikal Astrophysical Observatory is a research facility on the southwestern shore of Lake Baikal, roughly 70 kilometers from Irkutsk. The site houses multiple specialized telescopes that focus primarily on observing the sun and its activity.
The facility was established in 1980 and operates under the Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Since then it has served as one of Russia's major solar observation centers.
Scientists at the observatory contribute to international research programs through their studies of solar phenomena and participation in global heliophysics initiatives.
Visitors can tour the grounds to see professional solar research in action. Access is best in the warmer months, as winter conditions by the lake become quite harsh.
The facility uses advanced telescopes to study hydrogen-alpha emissions from the sun's outer atmosphere. This specialized technology allows researchers to detect rapid changes in solar structure.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
