Shemakha Observatory

The cosmos, vast and enigmatic, has always captivated humanity with its mysteries. In Azerbaijan, this fascination finds a unique scientific institution dedicated to unraveling these enigmas: the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory (SHAO). Nestled in the village of Pirguli, just 22 kilometers from the center of Shamakhi, this observatory stands as the largest of its kind in the region, accessible via a picturesque road that winds along the majestic Caucasus Mountains.

Founded in the Soviet era and named after the 13th-century astronomer Nasreddin Tusi, the Shamakhi Observatory was established to delve into one of humanity’s most intriguing mysteries: the stars. Today, it remains a bastion of astrophysics in Azerbaijan, inviting tourists to explore its modest museum, gaze through the largest telescope in the region, and marvel at the stars as night falls.

The Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory has been the subject of extensive literature, ranging from its pivotal role in shaping the space industry and scientific research in the former USSR to detailed specifications of the telescopes housed within its walls. Since its inception in 1960 until the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the observatory thrived as a vibrant scientific hub, bustling with activity. Continuous research efforts, staff assignments to other scientific centers, and delegations from foreign countries and Soviet republics were commonplace.

However, the collapse of the Soviet Union marked a drastic turning point for the observatory. Funding ceased, and in the midst of the ongoing conflict at that time, it became impossible to allocate resources for maintaining the facility’s infrastructure. The observatory relied heavily on the dedication of enthusiastic scientists who, despite the challenging circumstances, not only preserved the existing infrastructure but also continued their scientific work.

A significant change occurred in 2008 when Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree to approve the National Strategy for the Development of Science in the Republic of Azerbaijan for the years 2009 to 2015. This initiative led to the modernization of the observatory, enhancing its equipment with new spectrographs and CCD systems, while outdated, bulky control panels were replaced with compact computers.

Despite these advancements, the observatory faces pressing challenges, the most significant of which is the encroachment of nearby areas with tourist attractions and other developments. For effective stargazing, darkness and a clear sky are essential. In the past, during nighttime observations, even the lights in the village where the scientists resided were turned off to minimize interference. However, with the construction of nearby restaurants, hotels, and other establishments, the sky has become so illuminated that while scientists once observed stars up to the 23rd magnitude, they can now only access those up to the 20th magnitude.

Currently, a five-story hotel is being built in close proximity to the observatory. Despite the scientists’ protests against this development, they have been unable to halt the construction. Once operational, this hotel could render the observatory’s work virtually meaningless, as the light pollution would severely compromise its ability to conduct astronomical observations.

Currently, a five-story hotel is being built in close proximity to the observatory. Despite the scientists’ protests against this development, they have been unable to halt the construction. Once operational, this hotel could render the observatory’s work virtually meaningless, as the light pollution would severely compromise its ability to conduct astronomical observations.