As you know, Azerbaijan is considered a country of ancient astronomers. Famous rock carvings of Gobustan and Gamigaya, numerous excavation sites and monuments are a vivid proof. Scientific achievements of the Maragha observatory and its founder Nasreddin Tusi played a significant role in the development of world astronomy.

Like other branches of science in the XX century the development of astronomy in Azerbaijan has received a wide scope. Creation of Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), its high altitude monitoring stations, as well as other institutions involved in space exploration, preparation of dozens of highly qualified specialists, forming the astronomical school in the true sense of the term, in line with this stage.

The idea of creation of Azerbaijan Astrophysical Observatory was appeared in 1927. In the same year, a short-term mission of the Leningrad Institute of Astronomy has arrived in Azerbaijan, and with the participation of local professional I.A.Benashvili the acquaintance with the climate and topography of a number of regions of the country.

In the years 1939-1946 began teaching astrophysics at the Azerbaijan State University and several other universities. The University Astrophysics Laboratory and a special area for observation were set up. At the same time, there were issued special astronomical calendars. All these are serious steps towards the creation of an observatory in the country.

In the postwar period it was again raised the question of choosing a site for the construction of the observatory, and for this purpose organized the expedition in some regions of the country. In this work, astronomers also took part in Moscow and Leningrad. In 1963 it was completely clarified the place of the future observatory. Initiated by famous Azerbaijani scientists Hasan Aliyev and Yusif Mammadaliyev, the Observatory is located in the northeast of the Greater Caucasus, at a distance of approximately 150 km from Baku. By unanimous decision of the experts most appropriate place for the construction of the observatory Pirguli mountains Shamakhi region were found.

Finally, in November 1959 the relevant decision on the establishment of the observatory was made on the basis of the Astrophysical sector. According to the preliminary projects in the SAO it was to be set a 125-cm reflector, horizontal Solar telescope, Vertical Solar telescope, Chromospheric telescope, Coronagraph to observe the solar corona, the 70-cm telescope and planetary radio telescope. At the same time, was planned lying of water line, telephone and telegraph communication equipment, as well as the overhaul of the road Shamakhi-Pirkuli.

Government decision on the establishment of Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory was adopted in late 1959. 17 November of the same year signed a decree № 975 of the Council of Ministers of the Azerbaijan SSR "On the organization of Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory." On the basis of this decision was the decision № 1 "On organization of Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory of the Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan SSR" of the Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan SSR from January 13, 1960. In fact, the SAO’s activities as an institution began from that time. According to the decision, H.Sultanov, who had a great contribution to the creation of the observatory, was approved for the position of director of the Observatory.

The first telescope in the SAO was established in 1957. Solar chromosphere-photosphere telescope more than 35 years was used for patrol observations of the sun.

In December 1964, SAO was commisioned a new telescope. Telescope called AST-452 was designed for photographic observations. Due to the fact that the telescope is compact and closed, the teachings of images are very high quality. The setting was made by special order in Kazan Optical and Mechanical Plant.

Construction of photoelectric telescope (AZT-8) was completed in 1970; the diameter of the mirror is 700 mm. The telescope was designed for photoelectric, polarimetric and spectral observations of celestial bodies.

The two-meter telescope, which occupies first place in the largest diameter of the mirror in the territory of the observatory, was commissioned on September 20, 1966, and in late 1967 was given in full readiness for observation. The construction of the telescope, astronomers took part genius. This telescope is considered not only the pride of SAO, and the standard-bearer of experimental science in Azerbaijan. In the construction of this installation was a big part of the former President of the Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, academician Y.Mamedaliyev late.

In 1981, at the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan SSR SAO was named after the great Azerbaijani astronomer Nasreddin Tusi.

Over the last thirty years of the twentieth century and the beginning of the XXI century leadership of the country is directly linked with the name of an outstanding statesman and politician Heydar Aliyev. The great leader, who always kept the focus of the activities of SAO, visited the observatory, held meetings with scientists. It should be noted that in order to improve the living conditions of scientists conducting research work at the observatory, it was directed by the Heydar Aliyev 5 buildings consisting of 40 apartments were built.

Since its inception, the development of astronomy in Azerbaijan is in the focus of international scientific bodies, with the result that found in the 1970-2007 biennium. new asteroids were named "SAO", "Javid", "Muslim Magomayev", "Nizami", "Tusi", "Azerbaijan". Currently, 12 titles of small celestial bodies and planets, the craters are connected with Azerbaijan. As a result of surveys conducted by the Azerbaijani astrophysicist Nadir Ibrahimov 2-meter telescope of SAO, have been great advances in the study of the planets (Venus and Mars, Jupiter's moon Io). During the great conflict of the planet Mars (the shortest distance between the planets Earth and Mars), they are numerous large-scale images of the planet and made up her card had been received. In addition to the experimental work in the history of SAO serious theoretical studies were also carried out and important scientific results achieved. Achievements of professor O.Huseynov in relyativistic astrophysics and professor in the field of solar physics R.Huseynov were evaluated as a great contribution to the Astrophysical Sciences of Azerbaijan.

Continuing the policy of the national leader Heydar Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev takes a special attention and care in relation to the Observatory. In September 2008 and July 2009 for the purpose of reconstruction of the observatory and improve its material and technical base of the country by the President of the appropriate orders were signed. According to the decree it was completely renewed housing observatory department renovated the main building and a building with telescopes, fully modernized and automated control system 2-meter telescope, carried out extensive work on the landscaping. For the purpose of carrying out scientific work in the SAO have been built and put into operation houses for employees of scientific institutions, as well as meet the high standards of the hotel for foreign scientists. In addition, a scientific institution, new lines of communication to meet modern standards have been laid.

Currently, research in the SAO carried out mainly on two issues, coming from the direction of "Dynamics and physics of celestial bodies":

- Comprehensive study of the physical changes that take place in stars and nebulae (the study of non-stationary processes and their nature);

- Sun physics, physics and dynamics of the solar system bodies (dynamics and physics of active structures in the solar atmosphere, solar-terrestrial relations, the study of the atmosphere of planets and satellites, the motion of comets, asteroids and Solar System bodies, their structure, physics and evolution).

Research is also underway in the field of theoretical astrophysics, cosmology, astronomy, ionospheric scintillation high-frequency radio signals and their dependence on various factors of space weather (solar activity and magnetic storms, etc.), the history of astronomy, and others. SAO plays an important role in promoting astronomy and space science knowledge and teaching them in Azerbaijan.

Since the 60s of the last century in connection with the beginning of the space age in the science of astrophysics observed a very high rate of development that continues today. During this period, astrophysicists were awarded over 20 Nobel Prizes in physics. Complex studies conducted in the optical range of ground-based telescopes and artificial satellites in other bands (infrared, ultraviolet, X-ray, radio, etc), will pave the way for new discoveries. At present, Azerbaijan has broad space capabilities, Shamakhi Observatory steadily working on implementing these opportunities. The main goal is to study the history of the creation, development and fate of the universe. Therefore, before physics and astrophysics are such important and fundamental problems, such as an explanation of the physical nature of dark matter and black energy. SAO seeks to join the call of the modern era and focused conduct of scientific research. The Observatory regularly forging links with scientists engaged in the leading astronomical centers and organizations around the world. Young cadres involved in the observatory for the purpose of practice, are sent to the known research centers.

It is safe to note that these steps will eventually contribute to the further development of astronomical science in Azerbaijan.

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