Tian Shan Astronomical Observatory
Image: Wikimedia Commons
High in the Tian Shan Mountains, some 30 kilometres south of Almaty, Kazakhstan, the Tian Shan Astronomical Observatory has been a working scientific site for astronomers for decades.
About Tian Shan Astronomical Observatory
Known by its observatory code N42, the site is a state-owned scientific institution belonging to the Fesenkov Astrophysical Institute. It was previously assigned to Moscow's Sternberg Astronomical Institute until the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Telescopes & research
The observatory operates two 1-metre Ritchey-Chretien telescopes, an East telescope completed in 2013 and a West telescope brought into service in 2014, alongside additional smaller instruments. Its research centres on photometric investigations of variable stars in the Milky Way and eclipsing binary systems, with international collaboration including a partnership with South Korea's Institute for Astronomy and Space Sciences.
Location & getting there
The site sits at 2,735 metres above sea level in the Tian Shan range, a high-altitude location chosen for its clear mountain skies, in the Asia region near Almaty.
Visiting Tian Shan Astronomical Observatory
As a working research facility at high altitude, visiting arrangements should be confirmed directly with the operating institute before travelling.
See your named star from here
An observatory built for precise photometric work on distant stars is also well placed to find the coordinates of any named star. Name a star of your own, or browse the star catalogue to choose one.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check the official website and Google Maps for current times before you travel.
