Ilham Aliyev reviewed the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory after major overhaul and reconstruction

16 May 2013, 18:40
Ilham Aliyev reviewed the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory after major overhaul and reconstruction

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has reviewed the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory after major overhaul and reconstruction.

Important measures have been taken in Azerbaijan in recent years to promote astronomy. From this point of view, the repair and reconstruction of the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory is worthy of note. Although Azerbaijani astronomical science has earned fame for the renowned Maraga Observatory established by Nasraddin Tusi in the South Azerbaijan in the 13th century, a new remarkable phase in its development began in the 20th century. Astronomical expeditions operated in Azerbaijan from 1927. These expeditions explored a number of districts of Azerbaijan, including Shamakhi, and eventually recommended the Pirgulu territory for the construction of an observatory.

The observatory was established on the initiative of well-known Azerbaijani scientists Hasan Aliyev and Yusif Mammadaliyev in 1959 and started to operate in 1960. Located at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level, the Shamakhi observatory is well positioned to study the southern part of the sky as compared to many other observatories around the world. According to experts, there are about 200 days of sunshine there every year.

In 2008, the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory entered a new stage of its development. The President, who is paying great attention to the development of science in Azerbaijan, signed orders and gave instructions on the reconstruction and major overhaul of the observatory. In accordance with the orders signed by President Ilham Aliyev in September 2008 and July 2009, a total of 8 million manats were allocated from the state budget and the Contingency Fund of the President to strengthen the material and technical infrastructure of the observatory and conduct major overhaul and construction work. The execution of the orders has resulted in the upgrade of material and technical infrastructure of the research center, major overhaul and reconstruction, and the commissioning of new buildings and modern facilities.

President of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan Akif Alizadeh told the President that the office building, an exhibition hall and a 110-seat lecture hall, six buildings for telescopes, including the building for the main 2-meter telescope, have been overhauled and a 110-seat canteen built.

After the renovation and reconstruction, the offices have been brought to a modern level. The observatory has the Baku city unit, the departments of "Physics of the Sun", "Communication of the Sun and the Earth", "Planets and smaller celestial bodies", etc.

While reviewing the building for the main 2-meter telescope, the head of state was informed that the buildings with the solar telescope, the 70- and 35-cm telescopes, as well as a German telescope, had also been renovated. The main telescope control system is fully automated. New modern light receivers have been acquired for all telescopes of the Observatory, special cameras and a cryogenic plant installed. In general, the observatory has made a significant contribution to studying the field of astrophysics and fundamental astronomy as part of the former Soviet and post-Soviet research programs.

The observatory operates on the basis of a science program approved by ANAS. This program is compatible with the most advanced and priority issues of the world of science. The observatory carries out observations of the galaxy, stars, planetary nebulae, the Sun, planets and comets. It conducts research of stellar physics, dynamics and physics of the solar system, and solar physics.

The President was informed about the activities of the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory.

The director of the observatory, Ayyub Guliyev, spoke about the modernization and automation of telescopes, the planned activities and the results achieved. He said that studies in the field of solar physics had been conducted and produced high academic results. Along with the research in the field of solar flares, magnetic field and the fine structure of the solar atmosphere, the physics of stars is also being studied.

The President was informed about the photographs taken from space in recent days, as well as about a telescope with a diameter of more than 6.5 meters.

Praising the reconstruction of the observatory and stressing that it had contributed to the development of Azerbaijani science, President Ilham Aliyev said:

- The construction carried out here in the last few years has paid off. The Shamakhi observatory has been in operation for many years. Major investment has been made here. But then, as we can see in the pictures and as I saw on coming here for the first time, it became unusable. It was problematic to conduct research here, while the living conditions of scientists were harsh. The structures built earlier were in disrepair and were falling apart. So we decided to restore the observatory in a comprehensive manner.

Appropriate orders were signed. I have been here many times. I am glad that we have completely rebuilt and restored the observatory. There are excellent conditions here now. The main telescope has also been renovated. The living conditions of scientists have improved. There is every opportunity to live and work here now. This is a great contribution to the Azerbaijani science.

Specific measures are taken to develop Azerbaijani science. I have signed appropriate orders. Important steps have been taken to strengthen the material and technical infrastructure of science and encourage the work of scientists. A science development fund has been set up. In other words, the Azerbaijani government is committed to ensuring that funds allocated for science are increased, while Azerbaijani science serves the successful development of our country.

We are now engaged in serious work on both traditional and new areas of science. In February of this year we laid the foundation of a space industry. Our satellite has already been put into orbit. This being the case, I think Azerbaijan should become a scientific center of the region. Azerbaijan is already an economic and political center of the region. As you can see, representative political events are held in Azerbaijan every month. Azerbaijan also has to become a scientific center in the region.

We will do whatever is necessary. I believe that on this basis we will continue our work on new projects. Of course, we need to make sure that the investment in science serves its development. At the same time, we need to produce practical results. To facilitate our economic development and contribute to the all-round development of our country as a whole, we must coordinate science with practical steps. Rather, this coordination is already there, but it should be more effective. Azerbaijan should have the most advanced technology in the world. Despite the fact that the observatory is already at a level of world standards, I think that further steps should be taken for its future development. We have reached the level of the leading observatories.

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As a result of the renovation and construction carried out at the observatory, the area has been fully fenced, a post office, a medical center, a kindergarten, shops and other service facilities have been established on the first floor of two five-storey buildings. Power, water supply, sewage, external and internal gas and telecommunication lines have been replaced. The area around the office building has been landscaped.

President Ilham Aliyev also reviewed a residential settlement on the territory of the observatory.

Two five-storey buildings with 40 and 32 apartments, 10 one- and two-storey cottages and a hotel have been built here as well. The rooms have all the conditions for the convenience of visitors. The cottages have a high-speed internet, cable TV, etc.

The President praised the work done.

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