On the southern slope of Mount Aragats, in the village of Byurakan, stands one of Armenia’s key scientific landmarks—the Viktor Ambartsumian Astrophysical Observatory, established in 1946. Perched at an altitude of 1,490 meters, this site was chosen for its exceptionally clear skies. It was here that Soviet astronomers made major discoveries, including the identification of over 1,500 ultraviolet-rich galaxies and stars with anomalous spectra.
The observatory’s most prized instrument is the one-meter Schmidt telescope, with a remarkable backstory. Built in Germany in 1944, it was originally intended as a gift for Italy. But after the fall of the fascist regime, it was redirected to the Soviet Union and ultimately installed in Armenia. What makes the telescope extraordinary is its wide field of view—it can observe six degrees of the celestial sphere at once, making it ideal for surveying large swaths of the sky.
Byurakan became a global center of astrophysics. It was here that scientists first proved stars are still being born today. The observatory also introduced pivotal theories on the activity of galactic nuclei, showing that the energy released from these regions is critical to the formation and evolution of galaxies.
While research at the observatory continues, part of the complex is open to visitors. Guided tours offer a close-up look at the telescopes and a clear explanation of the structure of the universe. On clear evenings, guests can even take part in stargazing sessions—an experience that rivals the grandeur of the surrounding mountains.
Many tour operators organize day trips to the observatory from Yerevan. Day tours include walks through the grounds and an introduction to the equipment. Night tours focus on observing the star-filled sky through a professional telescope. Visitors who join our tours also have the rare opportunity to hear directly from astronomers—scientists who were part of some of the 20th century’s most important research.