Kourovskaya observatory

Kourovskaya Observatory is a research facility in Sloboda equipped with multiple telescopes and instruments for observing celestial bodies. Located at roughly 280 meters elevation in Sverdlovsk Oblast, it focuses on long-term astronomical data collection for scientific programs.

The observatory began operations in 1965 as part of Ural State University's expansion of astronomical research. Its establishment followed growing interest in space exploration generated by Soviet space initiatives.

The facility bears the name of Klavdia Barkhatova, who advocated for its creation and contributed to the development of astronomy in Russia.

The location allows observations across a broad geographic range and contributes to extensive monitoring networks. The site lies away from urban light pollution, enabling longer and clearer observation sessions.

The observatory's position enables continuous astronomical observations across a longitudinal span extending from Kazan to Irkutsk in Russia.

Location: Sverdlovsk Oblast

Location: Sloboda

Inception: 1965

Official opening: 1965

Elevation above the sea: 280 m

Address: г. Первоуральск, село Слобода, Обсерватория

Website: http://astro.ins.urfu.ru/kourovka

GPS coordinates: 57.03671,59.54727

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:00