This year is a monumental one for the National Academy of Sciences Byurakan Observatory named after Viktor Hambardzumyan. It is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
Thanks to the ideas and works of Viktor Hambardzumyan, the Byurakan Observatory was recognized as a national treasure by the Armenian government in 2013. The most important of these observational projects, Margaryan’s tour, was included in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.
The director of the observatory, Areg Mikayelyan, held a press conference on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Observatory, who also spoke about the programs for 2021. Reporters had the opportunity to visit the house-museum of the great Viktor Hambardzumyan and the Observatory’s large 2.6m telescope.
As soon as one enters the museum, they are able to sense Hambardzumyan’s presence. Each corner held a representation of the most important periods of the scientist’s life, full of complex, but at the same time indescribable success. The museum houses the astrophysicist’s office and library with several thousands of books. In the museum, it is possible to see his bedroom, plaster molds of his face and hands, personal belongings, gifts, and many diplomas.
Areg Mikayelyan said that Viktor Hambardzumyan had connections with many famous scientists. He added that one of the plans for 2021 is to publish a book on the history and achievements of the Observatory.
Nune Avanesyan
