Yuri Gagarin National Astronomical Observatory and Planetarium

In Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, the Yuri Gagarin National Astronomical Observatory and Planetarium has welcomed the public since 1961, the same year its Soviet namesake became the first person in space.

About Yuri Gagarin National Astronomical Observatory and Planetarium

Opened on February 26, 1961, this was Bulgaria's first national astronomical observatory, named after Yuri Gagarin in the same year he made his historic spaceflight. It is located in Stara Zagora, in central Bulgaria.

History

Alongside its observatory work, the site ran a planetarium with a starry hall for sky demonstrations between 1978 and 1994. Over the decades it has been recognised with the State Medal in the name of Cyril and Methodius, First Degree, and received a plaque from Sofia University for its contribution to physics, astronomy and science education.

Telescopes & research

Since 2011, the observatory has run a Space Weather and Solar-Earth Monitoring Center, issuing daily forecasts on solar and space weather conditions in addition to its longer-standing public astronomy programme.

Location & getting there

The observatory is located in Stara Zagora, a city in central Bulgaria, making it accessible to visitors travelling through the region rather than requiring a remote mountain trip.

Visiting Yuri Gagarin National Astronomical Observatory and Planetarium

Full details on public visits, planetarium shows and current opening times are best checked on the observatory's official website before you go.

See your named star from here

An observatory built around public sky-watching and space weather forecasting is a natural place to look for the coordinates of a star named through Star Register. Browse the star catalogue to pick one to name in Bulgaria's skies.