Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO): current activities and statuses

Abstract

We review the current activities and statuses of the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO), one of the most active research institutes of the Armenian National Academy of Sciences. BAO was founded by the outstanding scientist, National Hero of Armenia Viktor Ambartsumian in 1946 as an institute of the Armenian Academy of Sciences. Its main scientific research field is the instability phenomena of the Universe. It is recognized as an Armenian National Value in 2013, IAU Regional Centre in 2015, IAU Outstanding Astronomical Heritage in 2021, Registered UNESCO documentary heritage item (Markarian Survey) in 2011 and has a number of other statuses. BAO has two major instruments; 2.6m classical reflector and 1m Schmidt telescope. A number of research projects are active at BAO and its scientists are rather active at international level. Since 1998, BAO bears the name of V. A. Ambartsumian.