Crimean Astrophysical Observatory

The observatory spans across the southern slope of Mount Sel-Bukhra at 590 meters elevation, surrounded by forests that minimize light pollution and stabilize atmospheric conditions.

The facility emerged from a private observatory founded by Nikolai Maltsov in Simeiz, which he donated to Pulkovo Observatory in 1912 for scientific research.

The research center employs 400 staff members, including 100 scientists, who conduct studies in stellar physics, radio astronomy, and extragalactic astronomy through 20 telescopes.

The observatory maintains regular operations throughout the year, offering guided tours where visitors can observe the sun, stars, planets, and moon through specialized telescopes.

The night sky background at the observatory reaches 21.5 stellar magnitude per square arc second, measured by SQM instruments under clear weather conditions.

Location: Bakhchysarai

Location: Nauchnyi

Location: Crimea

Official opening: 1945

Elevation above the sea: 590 m

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 08:00-13:00,14:00-17:00

Phone: +73655471161

Website: http://crao.ru/ru

GPS coordinates: 44.72667,34.01586

Latest update: May 27, 2025 11:35