Pulkovo Observatory has been the main astronomical center of the Russian Academy of Sciences for a century and a half. It was opened in 1839 on one of the highest points near St. Petersburg, on the Izhora escarpment, which was called Pulova or Pulkovo Hill during Peter the Great's time. From this location, there is a view of a significant part of the city.

History of the Observatory's Creation

Since its founding, St. Petersburg has been the main scientific center of the Russian Empire. As early as 1725, the first academic observatory with a telescope appeared in one of the towers of the Kunstkamera, which was considered the best not only in the country but also in Europe. However, in 1747, a fire destroyed the equipment, including the large telescope. Attempts to restore the observatory were unsuccessful due to the city's expansion and outdated equipment. This led to the idea of building a new building.

Since the reign of Catherine II, a 20-foot telescope made in England had been kept in Russia. Paul I ordered its use, but a new building was required for this. The project required significant costs, and in 1802, Minister of Public Education Peter Zavadovsky agreed that the old building was unsuitable and a new one needed to be built. However, the location and project remained unresolved.

After the 1812 war, scientists and military began to define Russia's western borders, which required a modern observatory. The Academy of Sciences convinced the public of the necessity of building a facility with a powerful telescope. The last astronomers to work in the old observatory were Fedor Schubert and Vikenty Vishnevsky.

Development of the Plan

In 1830, the Academy of Sciences received funds to address the issue. Vikenty Vishnevsky headed the commission, and Georg Parrot was chosen as the chief architect. He proposed a site on the Okhta River, owned by Count Kushelev-Bezborodko, and began developing the project. In 1833, the project was frozen, but with the appointment of Sergey Uvarov as Minister of Public Education, the matter progressed. Nicholas I allocated funds for construction, and the commission approved Pulkovo Heights as the site for the observatory.

Vasily Struve, an honorary member of the Academy of Sciences, was involved in selecting the equipment. In 1834, architects Bryullov and Ton presented their designs. Bryullov proposed a building in the style of an ancient temple, and his project was chosen.

Construction

In 1834, Nicholas I allocated land for the construction of the observatory. Construction began in 1835, and the stone part was completed in 11 months. By 1839, three domes were finished. The observatory was equipped with modern equipment, including a large telescope and a heliometer. The territory of the observatory was adorned with a park and alleys.

The official opening of the observatory took place on August 19, 1839. Emperor Nicholas I visited the observatory a month after its opening. Since 1855, the observatory began to be called "Nicholas" in honor of the emperor.

Scientific Work

From the very first days, the observatory actively engaged in scientific work. Struve focused on stellar astronomy and the creation of catalogs of celestial bodies. The first catalog was published in 1845. The observatory became the "astronomical capital of the world," and scientists from various countries came here to work.

Pulkovo Observatory played an important role in international geodetic work. One of its greatest achievements was the Russian-Scandinavian degree measurement known as the "Struve Arc." The observatory also assisted in the compilation of maps and navigational tables.

Life After the Revolution

After the revolution, the observatory continued its work. In the 1920s, new equipment appeared. During the Great Patriotic War, the observatory was destroyed. Restoration began after the war, and it was reopened in 1954.

Since 2006, there has been discussion about relocating the observatory due to the expansion of St. Petersburg. In 2018, a decision was made to cease the observatory's operations in 2023 due to unsatisfactory research conditions. However, this decision sparked protests.

"Pulkovo Case"

In the 1930s, repressions affected the scientists of the observatory. Astrophysicists were accused of "bowing to the West." More than 100 scientists were arrested, some executed, and others exiled. By the end of the 1950s, many were rehabilitated.

Park at Pulkovo Observatory

From the very beginning, it was planned to create a recreational area on the territory of the observatory. After the war, the territory was expanded and became a protective zone. The park is accessible for walks and contains the observatory's necropolis.

Excursions

The future of the observatory remains uncertain. The idea of creating an astronomical museum is being discussed. The observatory remains a regulated facility, but group tours are conducted by prior arrangement.