Observatory of the Astrophysical Institute on the Kamensky Plateau

Location: Observatory Street, 23, Kamenskoye Plateau.

What’s interesting about it?

The observatory is located at an altitude of 1,450 meters above sea level on the Kamensky plateau. It is the oldest observatory in Kazakhstan and the only one accessible to tourists. The observatory was opened in 1947 as a result of astrophysicists’ work evacuated to the Kazakh SSR during the Second World War. Japanese prisoners of war participated in its construction.

What to see?

Now, the observatory has four telescopes that observe galaxies, stars, planets, and geostationary satellites. Tourists' acquaintance with the observatory begins with a story about the history of the Fesenkov Institute, the main directions of work, and an overview of interesting astronomical phenomena.

Next, visitors are led along a path corresponding to the 77th meridian and taken to the pavilion where the telescope is installed. The alley of the 77th meridian is called the “path of wishes.” If you see a shooting star while walking along it, your wish will definitely come true.

Visitors are introduced to the history, telescope structure, and observation process. Workers tell guests about the Sikhote-Alin meteorite, show a fragment, and even allow them to touch it.

When is the best time to visit?

The observatory is available for visitors all year round, but only as part of an organized tourist group. Observations are carried out at night.