Far from the city center the Pulkovo Observatory stands. It is an astronomical research center. Emperor Nicholas I ordered its construction. It was built in 1839 on the Pulkovo hills. Soon after, it became world-famous.
The Pulkovo Observatory’s main building is on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1990. The Observatory even has its own park. The park offers serenity and views of St. Petersburg. It stands 75 meters above sea level. That is one of the highest natural spots near the city.
Inside the Observatory’s main building, you will find a small circle. It is marked with a rope fence. This circle marks the Pulkovo Meridian. It was the point of reference for all Russian maps until the 1920s.
The Pulkovo Observatory is home to a vast array of equipment. You can see a restored 19th-century meridian circle. There is also a massive Soviet-era radiotelescope array. Modern-day astrographs are present too. The museum outlines the development of astronomy in Russia. The period stretches from Peter the Great’s reign to the present. Rare items are displayed in the museum.
Guided tours are essential to visit the Astronomical Museum and telescopes. These tours are proposed in English for groups of less than 10 visitors. There are two-day tours. They are called Standard and Advanced. Visitors may explore sunspots using a projection telescope. The evening tour lets you join an astronomer. You can observe planets, the Moon, stars, and galaxies. These breathtaking celestial phenomena can be viewed if the sky is clear.
Inside the Museum, visitors learn about Russian astronomy’s history. Artifacts date from the 19th to the 21st century. You can stand on the Pulkovo Meridian. You can also get close to the Observatory’s sophisticated equipment. This includes the main refraction telescope. Other items include the Large Pulkovo Radio Telescope and the Solar Telescope.
The Pulkovo Observatory had the world’s largest refractor telescope. It was known as Imperialis Primaria Rossiae Specula Academica. The observatory has operated ever since its establishment. It survived two wars at its doorstep. Its staff has expanded. They went from eight to 282 people. Research covers modern astronomy.
The Pulkovo Observatory was the point of origin for the Struve Geodetic Arc. This is a chain of 265 triangulation points. It stretches from the Black Sea to Norway’s northern coast.
Walking through the park, you might find a yellow dome-shaped building. It houses the 65cm refractor telescope. Carl Zeiss produced the instrument. It was designed as a gift. It was for Benito Mussolini from Adolf Hitler. The Red Army captured it during World War Two. Then, it was sent to St. Petersburg.
The Pulkovo Observatory suffered during World War II. Many buildings were destroyed in air raids. However, much of the equipment was saved. The library books were also rescued. The observatory reopened in 1954. There were new instruments and specialists.
In 2018, the observatory employed 282 people. About 15,000 people visit each year. The Pulkovo Observatory conducts tours and talks.
Today, the Pulkovo Observatory faces challenges. Light pollution increases due to the growth of St. Petersburg. Vibrations from traffic interfere with readings. Despite these challenges, the Pulkovo Observatory remains a significant landmark. It is a testament to Russia’s contribution to astronomy. It preserves the legacy of scientific exploration. It inspires future generations of astronomers.