An institution for astronomical observation and astronomical research
Astronomical observatories are specialized in astronomical observation and astronomical research. Most of the world's observatories are located on mountains.Each observatory has some instruments and equipment for observing astronomical phenomena, mainlyAstronomical telescope。It's a good place to see the stars.
It is mainly equipped with various optical astronomical instruments, such as optical astronomical telescopesSunglassesEtc. engaged inAzimuth astronomyorAstrophysicsResearch on.
In 2600 BC,Ancient EgyptTo observeSirius, established the world's oldest known observatory;In the first 2000 years,BabylonAn observatory has also been established.About 2500 years ago, China also began to have observatories, which were calledPlatform clearing、Lingtai、observatory。In ancient times, many national observatories were not onlyAstronomical observationIs also usedAstrologyTherefore, the observatory is generally controlled by the rulers.During the 15-16th century, some European astronomers began to establish their own observatories, among which the most famous one wasDenmarkAstronomersTychoIn 1576CopenhagenThe established observatory is equipped with the most advancedAstronomical instrument。Astronomical telescopeAfter the invention, the observatory was developed.In 1667, France establishedObservatoire de Paris ；In 1675, Britain establishedgreenwich observatory 。Twentieth Century,AstrophysicsThe development ofReflecting telescope。As of 2009, there are about 400 large observatories in the world.
Building structure
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In observatories, people observe space through telescopes, which are often very large and cannot be moved at will.The objects observed by the astronomical telescope are distributed in all directions of the sky.If an ordinary roof is used, it is difficult to make the telescope point at the target in any direction at will.Most of the observatory's roofs are spherical, and a mechanical rotation system controlled by a computer is installed at the junction between the dome and the wall;There is a wide crack in the hemisphere from the top of the roof to the bottom of the house, but it is not a crack, but a huge skylight through which the huge astronomical telescope points to the vast space.In this way, when observing with an astronomical telescope, as long as the round roof is turned, the skylight is turned to the direction to be observed, and the telescope is also turned to the same direction, and then the telescope lens is adjusted up and down, the telescope can point to any target in the sky.When not in use, as long as the skylight on the dome is closed, the astronomical telescope can be protected from the wind and rain.
The usual popular science introduction often conveys a wrong message, as if all the observatory roofs are made into hemispherical shapes, and the reason why they are designed as spherical is that the aforementioned is to adjust the observation direction in daily observation.This is wrong.Not all astronomical observatories have hemispherical roofs: for radio telescopes, the radar inside needs to rotate in full half space without dead angles, so of course it needs to make a hemispherical cover, just like that on warshipsRadomeThe same;But for ordinaryOptical telescopeThe main reason why it is designed as a hemisphere is not because of the direction adjustment in observation, because even if it is not designed as a sphere, as long as it has the rotation function, it can achieve flexible adjustment in different directions. For this kind of telescope, the main reason why the roof of the observatory is designed as a hemisphere is that, first, it is for the structural mechanics of the buildingstructural stability The spherical roof will be more solid and stable, and the other is for beauty[1]。
Of course, it is not necessary to design a hemispherical roof for telescopes that do not need to rotate horizontally.For example, some astronomical observations are only conducted in the north-south directionearth rotationTo change the perspective, you don't need to rotate yourself, soObservation roomIt can be rectangular or square. Open a long strip skylight in the center of the roof, and the astronomical telescope can work.
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The main work of the observatory is to observe stars with telescopes.Most Chinese observatories are located on mountains.asPurple mountain observatoryIt is located on the Zijin Mountain in the northeast of Nanjing, 267 meters above sea level.Beijing Astronomical ObservatoryThere are 5 observation stations, of which Xinglong observation station is about 940 meters above sea level,MiyunThe observation station is about 150 meters above sea level.The station of Shanghai Observatory in Sheshan is also 98 meters above sea level.Yunnan ObservatoryIn the eastern suburb of Kunming, the altitude is 2020 meters.
The observatory is located on the mountain, not because it is closer to the stars.The stars are very far away from the earth.Generally, stars are tens of trillion kilometers away. The nearest celestial body, the moon, is 380000 kilometers away from the earth.The mountains on the earth are generally only a few thousand meters long. It is obviously insignificant to shorten such a short distance.
The earth is surrounded by a layer of atmosphere, through which starlight can reach the astronomical telescope.atmosphereSmoke, dust andsteamThe fluctuation of, etc., has an impact on astronomical observation.Especially near big cities, city lights illuminate these particles in the air at night, making the sky bright and preventing astronomers from observing darker stars.In places far away from the city, there is less dust and smoke. The situation is better, but these effects cannot be avoided.
The higher the altitude, the thinner the air, the less smoke, dust and water vapor, and the less impact. Therefore, most observatories are located on mountains.
The three best observatory sites recognized in the world are all located at the top of a high mountain, which is the top of Hawaii's Mauna Kea Mountain, 4206 meters above sea level;ChileAndes, 2500 meters above sea level;as well asAtlanticCanary Islands, 2426 meter high mountain top.
BeijingBeijing Ancient Observatory, located in BeijingJianguomen。Formerly known as the observatory, it was built in 1442, the seventh year of the orthodox Ming DynastyThe oldest observatoryone of.It is famous for its complete architecture, exquisite instruments, long history and unique position in the cultural exchange between East and West.The Beijing Ancient Observatory was called“Star Observatory”, there areSimple instrumentLarge astronomical instruments such as the armillary sphere, the armillary sphere and the celestial sphereGuibiaoandClepsydra。In the Qing Dynasty, the observatory was renamed "the observatory", and it was changed to the central observatory after the 1911 Revolution.
Kangxi andQianlongIn, the observatory added eight large copper astronomical instruments, all of which adopted the European Astronomical Measurement System and instrument structure.From the Ming DynastyorthodoxIn 1929,Beijing Ancient Observatory He has been engaged in astronomical observation for 500 years continuously, and has maintained the longest continuous observation among the existing ancient observatories in the worldHistoryMoreover, it is also famous internationally for its complete buildings and complete equipment.The eight large copper astronomical instruments made in the Qing Dynasty are huge, beautiful and exquisitely carved.In addition to modelingFloral decorationIn addition to the traditional Chinese characteristics in terms of scale, tour table and structureWestern EuropeThe RenaissanceThe progress and achievements of large-scale astronomical instruments since the era have become the historical witness of cultural exchanges between the East and the West.They are not only practical astronomical observation tools, but also unique in the worldHistorical relicsTreasures.
The Beijing Ancient Observatory has been transformed into the Beijing Ancient Astronomical Instrument Exhibition Hall, belonging toBeijing Astronomical ObservatoryAnd continue to play a role in science and science popularization.
In the knowledge innovation project implemented by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the goal of the National Astronomical Observatory is to build a strongtechnological innovationAnd continuousDevelopment capacityA world-class observatory with distinctive features has become China's major representative in the international astronomical community.
Since 1999, Zijinshan Observatory has built the largestNear Earth ObjectsDetection telescope.This telescope ranks among the top five of its kind in the world.Of this telescopeSpherical reflectorWith a diameter of 1.20 meters and a luminous aperture of one meter, mirror grinding has started and is expected to be completed in 2002.Zijinshan Observatory willXuyi, JiangsuTieshansi Forest ParkBuild aObservation station, place this telescope.
In 1938, the originalAcademia SinicaInstitute of Astronomy moved from Nanjing toYunnanprovinceKunmingFenghuang Mountain in the eastern suburb of the city (the current site of Yunnan Observatory).After the victory of the Anti Japanese War, the Institute of Astronomy of the Central Academy of Sciences moved back to Nanjing, leaving a workstation in Phoenix MountainSubordinationAfter several changes, it was officially established in 1972 with the approval of the State Planning CommissionYunnan Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences。In 2001, with the approval of the Central Organizational Committee, the Beijing Astronomical Observatory, Yunnan Astronomical Observatory and other units were integrated into the National Astronomical Observatory.Yunnan Observatory retains the original level, andWith legal personality。
In addition to the headquarters (Phoenix Mountain), Yunnan Observatory also hasFuxian LakesunlightObservational researchThe base and Lijiang Astronomical Observation Station are two major astronomical observation and research bases.
Lijiang Astronomical Observatory is located in LijiangAncient city areaTai'an Township"Gaomeigu" Village, where "Gaomeigu" is locatedNaxi minorityThe language means "higher than the sky".It is 3193m above sea level and has an average of 254 sunny nights every year. There is no interference of artificial light and sand dust. In addition, the sky is dark and the air transparency is goodAtmospheric tranquility。After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Chinese government has been searching for the location of the observatory in the south since 1956. After more than 30 years of wind and rain, and through the efforts of several generations of scientists, after "stepping all over the green mountains", the initial location of Gaomeigu in Lijiang was selected in 1993.After 8 years of measurement, research and demonstration, it is finally determined thatSoutheast AsiaThe best observatory site, and decided to start construction.
Lijiang Astronomical Observatory is the best observatory site in China and even in Southeast Asia, withAsiamaximalAstronomical telescopeIt is Asian natureEducation base, YesPlant diversityThe base of.Lijiang Astronomical Observatory has the largest astronomical telescope in China, with a length of 2.4 meters. It can obtain high-definition images of Mars and look far into the Milky Way. It is the largest astronomical telescope in China. The telescope is made by TTL Company in the UK, with a value of more than 30 million yuan.LashihaiA few tens of kilometers to Shigu, turn left to climb the mountain after seeing the road signs, and the altitude will rise to more than 3000 meters.There areweather station(There are many ferocious dogs), the astronomical observatory, under which is the original Gaogumei village of just a few families.The observatory is free, but the telescope can only be seen by special personnel.Those who have tents will camp in Gaogumei Village and wait to see the stars at night.The night sky is beautiful.This place receivesNational protection, please obey the law.It's worth recommending a ride in Lijiang.Lijiang National Astronomical ObservatoryConduct astronomyHigh techTechnological innovation and providing high-quality astronomical application research services in accordance with the requirements of national security and economic construction have made it a research base in the south and a training base for advanced astronomical talents.
After the selection of the ancient site of Gaomeigu in Lijiang, it has aroused wide interest of astronomers at home and abroad. Many astronomers have visited Gaomeigu in Lijiang.The azure sky in Gaomeigu, the stars in the sky at night, and the clear Milky Way make many astronomersExcited。especiallyVisual acuityThey have reached the level of the world's excellent observatory sites, and they have never seen such a good night sky or such a good astronomy in their lifetimeObservation conditions。Lijiang Gaomeigu, with a clear sky and bright stars, has gradually become a holy place for astronomers at home and abroad.[2]
XichongThe Observatory is located atShenzhencityDapeng New AreaNan'ao StreetXichong covers an area of 29700 square meters. The main buildings are the Astronomical Building, Meteorological Building, Complex Building, etc.Sai Chung Observatorygovernment investment Construction, shared by all citizensPeople's livelihood projectIt is the first comprehensive combination of astronomy and meteorology, science popularization and business, field observation and network observation in Chinaobservation system 。The observation equipment mainly includes 60cm reflective optical telescopeSolar telescope、Fourier spectrometer, high-performance small telescopeAtmospheric compositionObservation station, high precisionsolar radiationFlow monitorIt was put into trial operation of astronomical and meteorological operations in August 2010 and officially unveiled in September of the same year, marking the official opening.
Exploring the mysteries of the universe and serving the public is the purpose of the establishment of the Xichong Observatory. Since its establishment, the observatory has published 110 reports on astronomical forecasts and popular science activities through media and websitespartial solar eclipse、Saturn rushes toward the sun、lunar eclipseas well asAstronomical photographyMore than 20 large-scale observation and science popularization activities, such as exhibitions, have provided 93000 people with astronomy and science popularization services for 594 batches of citizens, including 25000 people received by the Xichong Observatory (20 people per day on average).five point two oneannular eclipseA series of science popularization activities, with unique organizational form and connotation, won the 8th China (Shenzhen)ICIFThe recognition of the organizing committee is specially approved as a special event of the ICIF, which is a major innovation and breakthrough in the field of science popularization.
Foreign observatory
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There are many famous observatories in the world, includingRoyal Observatory Greenwich, UK、Hawaii, USAMonakia ObservatoryandEuropean Southern ObservatoryEtc.Among them, the European Southern Observatory is an international organization cooperating with European astronomers. It is located in ChileVery large telescope(VLT for short) consists of four telescopes with an aperture of 8.2 meters. When these four telescopes are used together, they are equivalent to an optical telescope with an aperture of 16 meters.
The world famous British Observatory is now located in theHurstMunsuFort.Greenwich Observatory was founded in 1675 and is located in the capital of EnglandLondonGreenwich,the Second World WarLater moved to the new address, but kept“Royal Observatory Greenwich ”The name of the.In 1884meridianThe standard reference meridian, also known asPrime meridian, namely zero degree longitude.
When the Greenwich Observatory was first established, it aimed to make accurate observationsMoonAnd stars to help navigators determine longitude.It has developed into a comprehensive one in BritainOptical observatory。On December 28, 1999, a newTime system——Greenwich Electronic Time(GET) was officially born, which willGlobal e-commerceProvide aTime standard。The originalGreenwich Mean Time（GMT）It will remain as the world standard time in the 21st century.
The Mauna Kea Observatory is located in the United Stateshawaiian islandsMauna on the Big IslandJishanOn the summit is the world famous place for astronomical research.All the facilities are located in the Maunaki Science Reserve, covering 500 acres, which is specially called the "Astronomical Park".The Astronomical Park was established in 1967 byUniversity Of Hawaii Our management office leases the land in this area, and many countries have cooperated to invest US $2 billion in science and technology.The Astronomical Park is located on a land of historical significance to Hawaiian culture, and has become a land to be protected by historical conservation action, because Hawaiian ballads and historical stories say that Maunaki Mountain is the birthplace of Hawaiian ancestors.His height and isolationthe pacific oceanIn the middle of the earth, making Maunaki Mountain an important land base for astronomical observation on the earthinfraredAnd optics are ideal observation sites.The statistics of the visibility show that it is very good in optical and infrared onlineimage quality , for example,Additive telescopeGenerally, it has a resolution of 0.43 seconds.
In order to enable researchers to adapt to the environment, an astronomer center was established at an altitude of 2835 meters (9300 feet), and a visitor center was established at 2775 meters (9200 feet) for visitors.The height of Maunaki Mountain makes it necessary for scientists or visitors to stay here for at least 30 minutes before they can adapt to the mountain environment before reaching the top of the mountain.
European Southern Observatory
European Southern Observatory
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) is an international astronomical research institution composed of 13 European countries. Its main observation equipment is located inSouth AmericaChile, headquartered in GermanyMunichNearbygarching 。October 5, 1962, Germany, FranceBelgium、Netherlands、SwedenThe five countries signed an agreement in Paris and decided to jointlysouthern hemisphereThe observatory was established and named European Southern Observatory.LaterDenmark、Finland、Italy, PortugalSwitzerland, UKSpain(July 1, 2006), the Czech Republic (January 1, 2007).
The site selection of the European Southern Observatory began in the mid-1950s whenAfricaKarol Desert sent an expedition.In the mid-1960s, the European Southern Observatory inspected theAtacama Desert , and finally selected here as the station address.On March 25, 1969, the European Southern Observatory officially cut the ribbon on Mount La Sila in the south of Atacama Desert.
