IAU adds Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory in Armenia to its list of outstanding astronomical heritage sites

YEREVAN, April 26. /ARKA/. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has added the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory in Armenia to its list of Outstanding Astronomical Heritage sites.

This international platform now briefly presents both the history of the Byurakan Observatory and its scientific activities and achievements, the Byurakan Observatory said.

The list is compiled by IAU's C4 commission. The director of Byurakan Observatory Areg Mikayelyan is a member of the commission.

Ancient Armenian calendar and chronicles, Armenian rock paintings with astronomical content, ancient observatory Zorats Karer (Karahunj), the astronomical complex of Metsamor Hill, the astronomical heritage of Anania Shirakatsi and other values are also planned to be included in the list of astronomical heritage objects.

About Byurakan Observatory

The Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia was founded in 1946. In 1998 it was named after its founder and the first director, prominent astrophysicist Victor Hambardzumyan.

The Observatory is engaged in studies of non-stationary phenomena in cosmic objects - stars and galaxies. By the decision of the Armenian Government the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory was declared national asset of the country. --0--