Astronomical Observatory of Kharkov National University

Founded in the early 19th century, the Astronomical Observatory of Kharkiv National University in Kharkiv, Ukraine, is one of the oldest astronomical institutions in Eastern Europe and remains an active research centre today.

About Astronomical Observatory of Kharkiv National University

Known formally as the Institute of Astronomy of Kharkiv National University, the observatory grew out of an astronomy laboratory founded in 1808. A fully equipped observatory building followed in 1888, built largely through the efforts of astronomer Gregory Levitsky. The institute also runs the Chuguiv Observational Station outside the city and a dedicated Museum of Astronomy.

History

The observatory's roots go back over two centuries, from its beginnings as a university astronomy laboratory in 1808 to the construction of a purpose-built observatory in 1888. A separate observing station was later established at Chuguiv in 1962, after light pollution in Kharkiv made high-quality observations from the city increasingly difficult; an AZT-8 telescope with a 70 cm mirror and an AFR-2 solar telescope were installed there the following year. The Chuguiv station sustained damage during the Russian occupation of the region in 2022, so anyone planning to visit should check current conditions before travelling.

Telescopes & research

Instruments at the institute include a meridian circle, a spectrohelioscope, and a 700 mm optical telescope. Current research covers light scattering by the surfaces of celestial bodies, small bodies of the Solar System, star catalogues and stellar dynamics, and gravitational lensing.

Location & getting there

The main observatory building is located in central Kharkiv, Ukraine, with its associated observing station at Chuguiv, further from the city's lights.

Visiting Astronomical Observatory of Kharkiv National University

As an active research institute, the observatory generally requires visits to be arranged in advance rather than allowing casual walk-ins. Given the ongoing situation in the region, check with the university directly for the latest access and safety information before planning a trip.

See your named star from here

Wherever conditions allow safe operation, an observatory's telescope can be pointed at the same right ascension and declination as any named star. If you've named one through our star-naming packages, you can look up its coordinates in the catalogue for a future visit here.

Name a star of your own

Whether or not you can visit Astronomical Observatory of Kharkov National University, you can dedicate a real, visible star through Star-Register. Name a star to receive its exact coordinates, or browse the star catalogue to look one up.