Maidanak High-Altitude Observatory – A Center of Scientific Tourism
One of Uzbekistan’s unique sites combining scientific potential and natural beauty is the Maidanak High-Altitude Observatory, located at an altitude of 2,650 meters above sea level in Qamashi district, Kashkadarya region. It plays a vital role in attracting young people to scientific activities and in developing the region’s tourism infrastructure.
To promote the institution’s tourism potential, a scientific-practical conference titled “Starry Sky” and a press tour with the participation of media representatives and students were organized here on August 7-8.
The initiators of the events, aimed at familiarizing young people with advanced achievements in astronomical research and development, as well as integrating science and education within the framework of the “Intensive 90 Days” project, were New Uzbekistan University, the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the Uzbekspace Agency.
Specialists from the Astronomical Institute of the Academy of Sciences and staff of the Uzbekspace Agency conducted a tour, during which they provided detailed information about the history of the observatory and its scientific significance. Guests were introduced to the main telescopes, including a telescope with a 1.5-meter mirror diameter, as well as other instruments for astronomical observations. The tour also featured interesting insights into methods for studying exoplanets, comets, and constellations.
Educational activities dedicated to space and astronomy, as well as a “Night Astrophotography” contest, were organized for all attendees.
From 21:30 to 00:00, participants observed the night sky through telescopes. The clear skies over Maidanak made it possible to see the Milky Way, the planets Saturn and Jupiter, the stars Vega, Altair, and Deneb, as well as the Perseid meteor shower. Scientists conducted an engaging tour of the “star map”.
The Maidanak High-Altitude Observatory is considered the primary research site of the Astronomical Institute of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan. It has unique astroclimatic characteristics, providing more than 2,000 clear hours per year, which enables high-quality astronomical observations.
Scientific research at the observatory is carried out in cooperation with more than 20 leading international scientific institutions, including the consortium of universities of the Republic of Korea, the Astronomical Observatory of Japan, the National Astronomical Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the University of Nice, Goethe University Frankfurt, Lomonosov Moscow State University, the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the European Southern Observatory, and other major scientific organizations.
At a distance of 4-5 kilometers from the observatory, on the site of a former military measuring complex, construction of the Maidanak tourist complex is currently underway.
The Maidanak High-Altitude Observatory is a symbol of Uzbekistan’s scientific potential, an important center of scientific tourism, and a source of inspiration for future generations of scientists.
M. Eshmirzayeva, UzA
