Ulaanbaatar Astronomical Observatory

Did you ever hear about the Ulaanbaatar Astronomical Observatory from a telescope’s point of view? Well, let me tell you. I’ve been here at the Ulaanbaatar Astronomical Observatory since the late 1950s. I was one of three telescopes made by the famed Carl Zeiss company in Germany. I arrived here on the slopes of Bogd Khan Mountain, about 15 kilometers south of Ulaanbaatar, just as this place, Khureltogot, was becoming a hub for celestial exploration. This was back during the International Geophysical Year of 1957-1958. A brilliant astronomer, Mrs. S. Ninjbadgar, along with scientists from Russia and Germany, had a vision for the Ulaanbaatar Astronomical Observatory. I witnessed the construction of the main buildings. I was carefully installed, ready to peer into the cosmos. In those early years, there was a buzz of activity. We tracked near-Earth satellites, charted asteroids, and observed the sun’s fiery displays. We even helped determine time and latitude, connecting with other observatories around the globe. The Ulaanbaatar Astronomical Observatory wasn’t just about the stars. It was also a place for studying earthquakes, the Earth’s magnetic field, and how the atmosphere affects our view of the heavens. Many Mongolian astronomers learned their craft here, often training in Russia. Today, the Ulaanbaatar Astronomical Observatory still stands. It continues to serve both scientific and educational purposes. The main building houses offices and a lecture room, while other structures provide lodging for visiting researchers. There’s even a traditional Mongolian tent, or ger, nestled among the buildings. You’ll also find a coronagraph, a GPS station, the Coudé refractor, the meridian circle, and a newer addition, a 45-cm Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. Times have changed, but the spirit of discovery remains strong here. It’s a special place with a rich history.