ÇOMÜ Ulupınar Observatory

ÇOMÜ Ulupınar Observatory sits on a hillside above Çanakkale, in northwestern Turkey, where it has run since 2002 as part of Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University.

About ÇOMÜ Ulupınar Observatory

Also known as Çanakkale Observatory or simply the University Observatory, ÇOMÜ Ulupınar Observatory was established in 2001 and formally opened on 19 May 2002. It belongs to the Faculty of Science and Arts at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University (ÇOMÜ) and sits at 410 metres elevation on the southern slope of Radar Tepesi, about 10 kilometres southeast of downtown Çanakkale and 5 kilometres from the university's main campus.

History

The observatory began operations with a single donated 0.40-metre telescope. It has since grown into a full research centre with seven telescopes operated by around thirty scientists, including three computer-controlled optical telescopes and other instruments. Among them is Turkey's largest telescope, a 1.22-metre instrument built in Germany.

Telescopes & research

Beyond its telescopes, the site runs an automated meteorological station and includes a library, workshop, classroom, conference hall, and living quarters for astronomers working through the night. Research at ÇOMÜ Ulupınar spans plasma physics, cosmology, general relativity, mathematical physics, interacting binary stars, solar physics, X-ray binaries, and gamma-ray bursts, alongside training for staff and public outreach programmes.

Location & getting there

The observatory is southeast of Çanakkale, the city on the Dardanelles best known as the gateway to Gallipoli and the ruins of Troy. Use the map and directions above to plan the drive from the city centre.

Visiting ÇOMÜ Ulupınar Observatory

As a university research facility, visits are generally arranged through the Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Faculty of Science and Arts. Check the observatory's official website for current information on tours, outreach events, and how to arrange a visit.

See your named star from here

With Turkey's largest telescope on site, ÇOMÜ Ulupınar Observatory has the reach to be pointed at precise coordinates anywhere in the sky, including those of a star named through Star Register. Name a star or browse the star catalogue to find its position.