N.Tusi adına Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory (Shamakhi)
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Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory named after N. Tusi is one of the largest and most influential scientific research centers in the South Caucasus and the nearby region, operating under the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS). Located at the foot of Mount Pirgulu at an altitude of approximately 1500 meters above sea level, this observatory serves as both a scientific research base and an important educational and tourism site for the country. The observatory is equipped with modern optical instruments, including a 2-meter telescope produced in Germany and other auxiliary technological equipment. Its main activities include studying the physics of celestial bodies, the solar system, stellar evolution, and galactic dynamics.
History: The observatory was officially founded in 1959, with exceptional contributions from prominent scientists Yusif Mammadaliyev and Hasan Aliyev. Regular astronomical observations began in 1960. In 1981, the observatory was named after the great Azerbaijani astronomer Nasiraddin Tusi. Following presidential decrees in 2009 and 2013, extensive reconstruction and modernization work were carried out, completely renewing the technical base and transitioning to digital observation systems.
Team: The scientific staff includes doctors of physical and mathematical sciences, professors, and young researchers who are members of international astronomical societies. Currently, the observatory is headed by the well-known scientist and corresponding member of ANAS, Namig Jalilov. Various departments specialize in Solar physics, stellar atmospheres, planets, and cosmic monitoring, collaborating closely with local and foreign scientific centers such as NASA and ESA.
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Scientific research: Monitoring and analysis of the physical properties of stars, planets, and nebulae, as well as solar activity
Operation of astronomical instruments: Conducting high-precision optical observations using the 2-meter telescope, the largest in the South Caucasus
Astronomy Museum and Planetarium: Visual educational programs for visitors about the structure of the universe and the history of astronomy
Excursions and night observations: Tourism services providing opportunities for tourists and schoolchildren to watch celestial bodies live through telescopes
Scientific forecasts: Preparation of official bulletins on solar flares, magnetic storms, and other space weather events
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Infrastructure modernization: Tens of millions of manats have been allocated from the state budget in recent years for renewing the buildings, residential complex, and scientific equipment of the observatory
Digitization of telescopes: Investments in the full automation of existing telescope control systems in cooperation with the German company "Carl Zeiss"
Scientific publications: Publication of dozens of articles annually by observatory scientists in journals with international citation indices and winning international research grants
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Popularization of science: Organization of astronomy lessons and masterclasses in cooperation with secondary and higher education institutions in Azerbaijan
Development of young personnel: Creation of a personnel base together with the Department of Astrophysics of Baku State University and internship programs for young scientists
Environmental protection: Maintaining ecological balance in the Pirgulu reserve area and caring for the environment through space debris monitoring
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20.02.2026: Shamakhi Observatory was awarded a certificate by the International Astronomical Union for its participation in the process of discovering a new exoplanet
15.01.2026: Observatory scientists published a detailed report on expected strong magnetic storms for the current year and their impact on human health
10.12.2025: An "Open Doors" day was organized for the general public at the observatory in connection with a rare meteor shower observed in the Pirgulu area
