Presentation

Geographical position 

St. Petersburg, Russian Federation

Location 

Latitude 59° 46′ 18″ N, longitude 30° 19′ 34″ E, elevation 75m

General description 

Pulkovo Observatory is connected with two developments of great significance for astronomy in the 19th and 20th centuries. The first of these was the establishment of the fundamental coordinate system, which made it possible to specify astronomical constants and contributed to the solution of the basic cosmological problem of the origin and evolution of the Universe. Since 1935, the fundamental catalogues in the FK system have been widely used throughout the world as the basis of the coordinate system for astronomy and geodesy. The other development is related to studies of the Sun: the results obtained made it possible to understand physical processes in the Sun and to predict solar activity, which directly influences civilisation on the Earth.

The Central Astronomical Observatory at Pulkovo was established under the directorship of Friedrich Georg Wilhelm (Vasiliy) Struve (Fig. 1), on the orders of Tsar Nicolas I, and was inaugurated in 1839. In the 19th century, Benjamin Gould called the Observatory “the astronomical capital of the world”, acknowledging the development of methods of astrometric observations at Pulkovo and the compilation of the world-famous Pulkovo high-accuracy fundamental stellar catalogues. The Main Building of Pulkovo Observatory was designed by the well-known architect A. Bryullow (Fig. 2). The research area with numerous astronomical enclosures occupies 150 hectares. The Observatory is located on Pulkovo Hills, 19 km to the south of the centre of St Petersburg. Pulkovo Observatory has maintained its leading position in Russian astronomy to the present day, carrying out studies in all major fields of the science: astrophysics, solar physics, stellar astronomy, astrometry, celestial mechanics, space astronomy, and cosmology. In 2014, Pulkovo Observatory celebrated its 175th anniversary.

Brief inventory 

The architectural ensemble of Pulkovo Observatory (Fig. 3) was created by well-known architect Alexander Bryullow and includes principally the “three-dome style” of the Main Building. Two astronomical instruments have been preserved since the time of the Observatory’s inauguration in 1839: the Large Transit Instrument and the Large Vertical Circle, manufactured by the optical and mechanical company Ertel. Some unique masterpieces of astronomical optics are exhibited in the Astronomical Museum at Pulkovo (Fig. 4): the Merz & Mahler 15-inch lens (1839, Germany), Clark 30-inch lens (1888, USA), Maksutov meniscus telescope, 32-inch double photographic lens, stainless-steel 720mm parabolic mirror, and Toepfer triple-prism spectrograph. The set of geodetic instruments includes a Struve basic comparator (measuring rod on a tripod), a Brouwer universal instrument, and a Herbst portable transit instrument. There are a number of astronomical clocks including Herbst, Glasenapp, Mikhailov solar clocks and rings, Dent, Hauth, Wieren, and Ericksson chronometers, Dent, Riefler, and Shortt astronomical pendulum clocks, and the first quartz (1949) and atomic clocks (the molecular frequency standard, 1962-67).

History 

Pulkovo Observatory was officially opened in 1839, as the Observatory Statute proclaimed, “to perform continuous and accurate observations serving the success of astronomy [and] to carry out observations required for geographical undertakings in the Empire” (Fig. 5). Its traditional field of research was astrometry: the determination of the precise coordinates of stars and the construction of fundamental stellar catalogues. Pulkovo Observatory also greatly contributed to the extensive geodetic enterprises carried out in Russia. The centre of the Round Hall of Pulkovo Observatory was made the initial (zero) point for the triangulation network in Russia. Astrophysical studies at Pulkovo were initiated by Otto Struve and developed by Fedor Bredikhin, Aristarchos Belopolsky (Fig. 6), Alex Hansky, Gavriil Tikhov, Alexander Markov, Nikolay Kozyrev, Oleg Melnikov, Vladimir Krat and others.

During the post-war years, owing to the efforts of Prof. Alexander Mikhailov, the first Director of the renovated observatory, new fields of research appeared. The Department of Testing and Manufacturing of Optics was headed by the world-renowned optician Dmitry Maksutov; the Radio Astronomy Department was led by Prof. Semyon Khaikin. Dmitry Maksutov initiated the design for the 6m Large Azimuthal Telescope. Under the leadership of Semyon Khaikin, the 110m Large Pulkovo Radio Telescope was built.

Cultural and symbolic dimension 

Pulkovo Observatory is a unique architectural entity, a specialized astronomical research establishment whose use resulted in outstanding scientific achievements. From its example, one can trace the development of the typology of both large and small architectural constructions supporting astronomy in the 19th and 20th centuries. In the 19th century, the development of the naval observatory with a wide spectrum of activities in hydrography, geodesy and astronomy fostered the growth of science and strengthened close cooperation with Europe in these fields. Particularly important in this regard are the international programmes related to the fundamental catalogues for the FK system: from 1900 onwards, 85 absolute and quasi-absolute catalogues, including 21 of Pulkovo’s, were used to compile FK5.

Pulkovo Observatory participated in creating the Struve Geodetic Arc (WHL 1187), a triangulation network set up by the astronomer Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve between 1816 and 1855 to measure accurately, for the first time, a long segment of a meridian. The arc stretched from the north coast of Norway down to the mouth of the river Danube (25° 20′). The triangulation of the southern part of the Arc, in the territory of modern Ukraine, was carried out under Karl Knorre, a pupil and colleague of Struve.

Other scientific highlights of Pulkovo Observatory have included:

• Discoveries of double stars;
• The first approved determination of the distance to a star — the parallax of Vega (α Lyr) — made by Vasiliy Struve; and
• A school of thought in practical astronomy and geodesy which influenced Russian and foreign mariners, astronomers, and land surveyors.

Comparative analysis 

The style of the Main Building of Pulkovo Observatory was reproduced in observatories at Helsinki (Finland) and Telegrafenberg and Babelsberg (Germany). Along with the Greenwich and Paris meridians, the Pulkovo meridian is also known all over the world; it is one of the important symbols of St. Petersburg.

Authenticity and integrity 

The original Main Building of Pulkovo Observatory was totally destroyed during the Second World War. Its restoration was completed in 1952; this was designed by Academician A. Shchusev and based on the original design developed by the architect A. Bryullow. At present, the Main Building of Pulkovo Observatory differs only insignificantly from its initial shape. The Ertel-Struve Large Transit Instrument is now mounted in its original place in the Western Pavilion. As their enclosures were constructed, other telescopes were also mounted: the Zenith Telescope was put into operation in 1949, the Normal Astrograph in 1950.

Documentation and archives 

The Archive of Pulkovo Observatory is a section of the Central Archive of The Russian Academy of Sciences. It contains about 8,000 depository items, mainly dating from 1930-40 and the post-World War II years. Documents of the 19th and the first quarter of the 20th centuries are now kept in the Central Archive. The scientific archive consists of collections of data from observations of the sun, stars, galaxies and individual objects, and also includes a number of surveys and catalogues. The photographic archive of the Observatory contains about 52,800 photographic astronomical plates. The library stores about 226,500 items on astronomy and other fields of science, including the famous Struve collection, the Olberts collection, mathematical collections accumulated by Bartels and Neumann, and 79 incunabula. Pulkovo Observatory publishes the Journals Izvestiya of Pulkovo Observatory and The Solar Data Bulletin. The Observatory Museum displays about 400 items, including a collection of 60 portraits of famous astronomers. The Museum is presently incorporated as an Associate Member of The Museum Community of Russia.

Management and use

Present use 

The Central Astronomical Observatory at Pulkovo is currently a Federal state institution, a non-profit research organization governed by the Russian Academy of Sciences. The Observatory maintains a leading position in Russian science, conducting fundamental research in all major fields of astronomy: astrophysics, solar physics, astrometry, radio-astronomy, and celestial mechanics. In 1997, Pulkovo Observatory was included on the List of the most valuable objects of the cultural legacy of Russia.

State of conservation 

The famous Pulkovo three-dome Main Building was partially repaired in 1988. Presently, the Main Building and 15 telescope enclosures need renewal and restoration, but the renovation projects are not sufficiently supported financially. Nonetheless, in 2012 several roofs of the enclosures were renewed. In 2009, two ancient Ertel Telescopes were restored and exhibited in the Western Wing of the Museum. Three other ancient instruments and the astronomical clock are currently under restoration.

Main threats or potential threats 

The growing city of St. Petersburg is consistently approaching Pulkovo Observatory. As a result, significant light pollution diminishes the quality of astronomical observations. A huge waste-deposal site 3km to the south negatively affects the architectural elements of the main building. Heavy traffic in the immediate vicinity of the Observatory produces vibrations that are detrimental both to precise astrometric measurements and to research at Pulkovo seismic station.

Protection 

In 1990, the ensemble of Pulkovo (Pulkovskaya) Observatory was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments. A memorial plaque to Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve, the first Director of the Observatory (Fig. 7), was installed on the Main Building in 2009. In accordance with State Law (1945) and the Law of St. Petersburg (2009), Pulkovo Observatory is surrounded by a 3km astronomical protection zone. The Observatory also has some landscape buffer zones, but more of them are needed along its western and northern borders.

Context and environment 

Pulkovo Hill (75m above sea level) forms part of the shore of an ancient sea. The neighbouring part (8km from Pulkovo to the east) is occupied by the famous Tsarskoe Selo, the former summer residence of Russian emperors. Pulkovo Observatory dominates both the architecture and landscape of the southern part of St. Petersburg. The “Old Man” grotto-fountain (1807, architect A. Voronikhin) and the “Four Sphinxes” fountain (1809, architect Thomas de Thomon) are located at the foot of Pulkovo Hill. The old park of the Observatory occupies 99 ha and displays over 280 species of plants. Owing to the presence of many ephemeroids (perennial herbaceous plants) that flower at this time, the park looks very aesthetically attractive in springtime.

Archaeological / historical / heritage research 

The territory of Pulkovo Observatory was populated by Finns from Ingermanland (Ingria) long before the foundation of St. Petersburg. The Finnish village of Purcola gave birth to the name “Pulkovo”. In 1719, Catherine I ordered a wooden palace to be built here with fruit and landscape gardens. In 1771–74, the landscape gardens were renewed by English master gardener J. Bush. In 1834-39, according to an Oukaze (Decree) of Emperor Nicolas I, the Central Astronomical Observatory was founded. The “Pulkovo Meridian” is a key part of the astronomical and cultural heritage of St. Petersburg. The seismic station, founded in 1906 by Prince Boris Golitsyn, is located in the territory of the Observatory. In Pulkovo Memorial Astronomers’ Cemetery one can view the tombs of F.G.W. Struve, O. Baklund and other famous astronomers (Fig. 8). There is also a Cenotaph to the memory of the victims of Stalinist political terror.

Management, interpretation and outreach 

Pulkovo Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences forms part of the structure of the Scientific Centre of the Academy in St. Petersburg. Its main purposes are fundamental astronomical studies and the history of astronomy. Pulkovo astronomers have published a number of papers and books concerned with historical astronomical events of major importance, both on national and international scales. Pulkovo Observatory permanently renews and restores its buildings and pavilions, and maintains both the old and the modern telescopes. An important mission of the Observatory is to spread astronomical knowledge, especially among the younger generation.

References

Bibliography (books and published articles) 

Abalakin, V.K., ed. (1989) 150th anniversary of the Pulkovo Observatory. NAUKA, Leningrad (in Russian)

Abalakin V.K., Kaptug V.B., Kopylov I.M., Kuznetsova A.B., Lavrinovich K.K., Moskovchenko N.Ya., Nevskaya N.I., Polojentsev D.D., Tolbin S.V. & Chubey M.S. (2003) Dynasty of the astronomers from the Struve family. In Proceedings of the 12th International Seminar ’Germans in Russia. Three centuries of scientific collaboration‘. Dmitry Bulanin, St. Petersburg, pp. 251-265 (in Russian)

Dadaev A.N. (1958) The Pulkovo Observatory. Academy of Sciences of USSR, Moscow-Leningrad (in Russian)

Dadaev A.N. (1972) Pulkovo observatory: Sketch of the history and scientific activity. NAUKA, Leningrad (in Russian)

Kaptug V.B., Alexeev V.Th., Astapovich A.V., Vereshchagin S.G., Ivanov Yu.A., Romanov V.L., Sokolov Yu.G. & Chubey M.S. (2001) Reconstruction of the memorial site of the first measurement in Russia of the shape of the Earth at Hochland Island. Izvestiya Russian Geographical Society 133(6), pp. 52-60 (in Russian)

Kaptug V., Sokolov Ju., Vereshchagin S. & Chubey M. (2003) Main Results of the Restoration and Research Work at the Russian Struve Station on Gogland. In ’Struve Arc 150‘, Reports of the International Scientific Conference, Tallinn, Tartu, pp. 26-34

Lang, K.R. and Gingerich, O., eds. (1979) A Source Book in Astronomy and Astrophysics, 1900-1975. Harvard University Press, Cambridge MA

Litvinova E.O. (1993) F.G.W. Struve, His life and scientific activity. REVERS, Saint Petersburg (in Russian and English)

Pawlowskii N.S. (1914) The Pulkovo Observatory: to 75th anniversary. Niva, 32, pp. 633-635

Semenova G.V. (1997) Pulkovo Hill and environment before the Pulkovo Observatory. In Monuments of History and Culture of Saint Petersburg, DSBb "White & Black", pp.154-163 (in Russian)

Semenova G.V. & Tolbin S.V. (1994) Pulkovo Observatory as the National Heritage of Russia. In Monuments of History and Culture of Saint Petersburg, DSBb "Politechnika" , pp. 80-94 (in Russian)

Struve O.V. (2005) G.V. Schiaparelli. Correspondence 1859-1904. Compiled by V.K. Abalakin. NAUKA, Saint Petersburg (in Russian)

Vitinsky Yu.I. (1981) The Main Astronomical Observatory of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR at Pulkovo. NAUKA, Leningrad.

Links to external sites 

Pulkovo Observatory Official Website

Pulkovo Observatory (Wikipedia)