Special Astrophysical Observatory

The Special Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences stands in the mountains of Karachay-Cherkessia on the slopes of Mount Pastukhov. Its lower site in Nizhny Arkhyz hosts scientists and students, while the upper site at 2,100 meters contains the six-meter BTA optical telescope and the RATAN-600 radio telescope with its 600-meter ring antenna. Researchers study galaxies, nebulae, stars, exoplanets, the distant universe, dark matter, and dark energy. The observatory also makes science accessible through telescope tours, a planetarium, and student training programs.

The observatory produced maps of dwarf galaxies neighboring the Milky Way and created Russia’s first CATS database of radio astronomical catalogs. Together with the Byurakan Observatory, researchers compiled a catalog of galaxies across the Northern Hemisphere that is used by scientists worldwide. A council of young researchers continues this work and explores new frontiers of the universe.