History and activities of the Kourovka astronomical observatory of the Ural university

Abstract

The history of origin and scientific activities of the suburban Astronomical Observatory of the Ural University are associated with K.A. Barkhatova’s life and work, among her achievements were restoration of the Department of Astronomy and Geodesy in 1960, and the resumption of the training of specialists in astronomy and geodesy. The First satellite launch on October 4, 1957 was great stimulus for the opening of department. A station for optical observations of satellites was organized in Sverdlovsk. Successful scientific and academic work of the department required a modern, properly equipped suburban observatory. Yu.A. Gagarin flight around the Earth on April 12, 1961 aroused unprecedented interest in astronomy and space among people and accelerated the resolution of the issue of an observatory construction. K.A. Barkhatova, with the support of colleagues from the Astronomical Council of the USSR Academy of Sciences, other observatories of the country, rector of the Ural University, and the public took up the construction. In 1963 the observatory near Kourovka station was founded. January 12, 1965 is considered to be the birthday of the new observatory. K.A. Barkhatova was it’s scientific adviser; at present, the observatory is named after her. The observatory performs observations on modern equipment, conducts excursions for students, teachers and public. Each year, the observatory hosts a student scientific conference "Physics of Space" – a unique astronomical school for young students and graduate students.