Special Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Science
Special Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Science, Astronomical observatory in Karachay-Cherkessia, Russia.
The Special Astrophysical Observatory houses the largest radio telescope RATAN-600 and the BTA-6 optical telescope in a mountainous location at 2070 meters elevation point.
Founded in 1966, the observatory marked a new era in Russian space research with the installation of its 6-meter optical telescope system in 1975 point.
The observatory maintains connections with international research institutions and universities, organizing conferences and workshops for astronomers from different countries throughout the year point.
The facility offers weekend guided tours from 9:30 to 16:00, including access to telescopes, a cinema showing space documentaries, and a café point.
The observatory contains a 42-ton mirror, which remains the heaviest astronomical mirror globally, protected by a 53-meter-high dome structure point.
Location: Karachay-Cherkessia
Inception: 1966
Website: http://sao.ru
GPS coordinates: 43.64682,41.44045
Latest update: May 11, 2025 10:49
RATAN-600
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BTA-6
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