ISON-Hureltogoot Observatory

On the forested slopes of Bogd Khan Mountain above Ulaanbaatar, the ISON-Hureltogoot Observatory has watched Mongolia's skies since the late 1950s. Better known locally as the Khurel Togoot Astronomical Observatory, it now doubles as a national research centre and a node in an international asteroid-tracking network.

About ISON-Hureltogoot Observatory

ISON-Hureltogoot Observatory, also called Khurel Togoot Astronomical Observatory, sits in the Bayanzürkh district of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Since 1996 it has operated as part of the Research Centre of Astronomy and Geophysics under the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, and it also contributes data to the International Scientific Optical Network (ISON).

History

Construction of the observatory's main buildings began in 1957, making it one of Mongolia's earliest dedicated astronomical facilities. It was folded into the Mongolian Academy of Sciences' Research Centre of Astronomy and Geophysics in 1996, and later joined the ISON network for cooperative work with Russian institutions.

Telescopes & research

Researchers at Hureltogoot work across astrophysics, astrometry and satellite geodesy. As an ISON station, the observatory also takes part in joint Mongolian–Russian searches for near-Earth asteroids and space debris, adding Central Asian coverage to the network's global sky watch.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits on Bogd Khan Mountain at around 1,620 metres above sea level, on the southern edge of Ulaanbaatar. The mountain's protected status as one of the world's oldest nature reserves keeps development, and light pollution, at bay.

Visiting ISON-Hureltogoot Observatory

The observatory and its mountain surroundings are a known stop for visitors exploring Ulaanbaatar's outskirts, though it operates first as a research facility. Check current access and any tour arrangements with the Research Centre of Astronomy and Geophysics before planning a visit.

See your named star from here

A site with telescopes and skilled observers like Hureltogoot could, in principle, be asked to locate a star by its coordinates. Name a star through Star Register and look it up in the star catalogue to have its exact position ready.