Kalyazin Radio Astronomy Observatory
Kalyazin Observatory is a subdivision of the Special Design Bureau of the Moscow Power Engineering Institute. The current radio astronomical observatory is equipped with a TNA-1500 radio telescope and is intended for fundamental space research. The diameter of the telescope’s antenna reaches 64 m, and the mass of the mirror is 800 tons. The huge structure rises 180 meters and looks impressive. Kalyazinskaya Observatory as a magnet attracts tourists, however, outsiders are not allowed on the territory of the complex and excursions inside are not conducted. You can take photos of the radio telescope antenna only from a distance.
Video: Kalyazinskaya Observatory
History of the observatory
The Kalyazin Observatory was launched in 1992 and at that time was called “Kalyazin Space Communication Point”. It is noteworthy that the first such observatory appeared back in 1969 at Bear Lakes, which is 15 kilometers from Moscow. Nowadays, the two telescopes are informationally linked and represent a single scientific complex.
.
In 2010, there was a fire in the building of the Kalyazinskaya Observatory, as a result of which the main antenna and valuable equipment were badly damaged. Within two years, the radio astronomy observatory was reconstructed, and the work carried out has expanded opportunities for observations of cosmic radio sources.
.
Kalyazinskaya Observatory in our days
Today in the observatory near Kalyazin, 10 specialists are constantly working. They are engaged in the study of objects located in our galaxy and beyond, the search for space debris, spectral radio astronomy, pulsar physics and other fundamental scientific problems.
.
Due to its huge size, the radio telescope is perfectly visible from different directions. When approaching from the side of Uglich, the huge antenna can be seen already 15-20 km away. Especially spectacular pictures of the observatory are obtained from the Volga River – from the place where the famous Kalyazinskaya bell tower rises from the water.
.
How to get there
The Kalyazinskaya Observatory is located 200 kilometers north of Moscow, east of the village of Tolstoukhovo, near the town of Kalyazin. Travelers come here by car on the highway R-104, which leads from Sergiev Posad to Rybinsk. At 2.5 km from the observatory is the railway platform “5 km”, through which the electric trains “Kalyazin – Uglich” and “Savelovo – Uglich” run.
.
