Shamakhy Astrophysical Observatory

In the eastern foothills of the Greater Caucasus, 150 kilometers northeast of Baku, the Shamakhy Astrophysical Observatory has studied the Azerbaijani sky from Mount Pirkuli since 1960, its site chosen for as many as 150 to 180 clear nights a year.

About Shamakhy Astrophysical Observatory

Named after the medieval astronomer Nasreddin Tusi, the observatory operates as a research institute within the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), under its Department of Physical, Mathematical, and Technical Sciences. It sits on the eastern slopes of Mount Pirkuli at an altitude of roughly 1,435 to 1,500 meters.

History

The observatory was established by decree No. 975 of the Council of Ministers of the Azerbaijan SSR, signed on November 17, 1959, becoming operational in 1960 as ShAO, the Nasreddin Tusi Shamakhy Astrophysical Observatory.

Telescopes & research

As a research institute of ANAS, the observatory has built its scientific programme around the region's exceptional observing conditions, with 150 to 180 clear nights recorded most years, among the best anywhere in the Caucasus.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits on Mount Pirkuli in the Greater Caucasus Range, 150 kilometers northeast of Baku, Azerbaijan, at 1,435 to 1,500 meters elevation, part of the wider Asia region.

Visiting Shamakhy Astrophysical Observatory

For current visiting arrangements, check the observatory's official website before travelling, since a research site at this altitude and distance from Baku benefits from planning ahead.

See your named star from here

With up to 180 clear nights a year, Mount Pirkuli is about as good a place as any to look for a star named through Star Register, using the right ascension and declination on its certificate. Search the catalogue to find it.