Crimean Astrophysical Observatory

The Crimean Astrophysical Observatory occupies the southern slope of Mount Sel-Bukhra at an elevation of 1,935 feet (590 meters), where surrounding forests reduce artificial light interference. Twenty telescopes of different sizes spread across the grounds, allowing observation of different celestial objects.

The facility grew from a private observatory in Simeiz that Nikolai Maltsov donated to Pulkovo Observatory in 1912 for scientific research. After World War II, the institute moved to Sel-Bukhra and developed into a major center for stellar and extragalactic studies.

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 offers guided tours throughout the year, where visitors can observe the sun, stars, and planets through specialized telescopes. The site lies away from urban areas and is best reached by private vehicle.

Instruments measure a sky background of 21.5 stellar magnitude per square arc second under clear conditions, favorable for precise observation of faint objects. The name Nauchnyi, under which the village is known, means scientific in Russian and reflects the research focus of the area.

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: December 5, 2025 22:28