Yuri Gagarin public astronomical observatory – the first in Bulgaria: 60 years later

The report presents an analysis of the history of the Public Astronomical Observatory (NAO) "Yuri Gagarin", the city of Stara Zagora, which was officially opened on February 26, 1961. The initiative to open it belongs to a group of enthusiasts, among which the figure of Boncho Bonev is of particular importance. With financial and material assistance from the municipality of Stara Zagora, the first premises were equipped and the first astronomical instruments and equipment were purchased. The observatory bears the name of the world's first pilot - cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. The natural evolution of the development of the Observatory is presented, as well as the need of creation an observational base outside the city, in the area of the Ayazmo Park (opened in 1968). The supply with amateur telescopes is shown, as well as of a large optical instrument for professional astronomical work – a refractor (200/3000 mm), the Kude system, the production of the Carl Zeiss, Jena (former East Germany). The acquired ZKP-2 planetarium at the Carl Zeiss factory in Jena expands the NAO's capabilities in the education and promotion of astronomy and space science.The evolution of extracurricular astronomy training and the mass popularization of the achievements of astronomy, aeronautics, physics and human technology in PAOP are analyzed, as well as scientific observations of artificial Earth satellites. In this connection, in 1979 a specialized out-of-town observation base was built in the area of the Stara Zagora Mineral Baths, equipped with one of the most modern devices of its time – the AFU-75 satellite camera. An attempt was made to periodize the history of PAOP «Yu. Gagarin», the main stages being arranged in time according to significant historical, technological, organizational or other events.

Advances in space science and technology in connection with 60−th anniversary of first human spaceflight

On April 12, 1961, Yuri Gagarin proclaimed the arrival of a new space age. The rapid advances in the different space sciences and technologies began after the first human spaceflight. Then fundamentally new sciences and technologies appeared. At present, space science covers a broad range of disciplines. The following outline is provided as an overview and topical guide to space sciences: Astronomy and Space Astronomy, Cosmology, Astrophysics, Space Physics, Solar-Terrestrial Physics, Aeronomy, Solar physics, Heliospheric Physics, Cosmic Ray Physics, Space Weather and Space Climate (Earth-Space Climatology), Space Dosimetry, Space Chemistry or Cosmochemistry, Remote Sensing of the Earth and Planets, Planetary Science, Planetary Geology, Astrogeology or Exogeology, Exoplanetology or Exoplanetary Science (Science for Extrasolar Planetary Systems), Intelligent Life in the Universe, Astronautics (or Cosmonautics), Orbital mechanics or Astrodynamics, Space life sciences: Bioastronautics, Space Medicine, Space Neuroscience, Space Biology, Radiation Biology, Biotechnology, Space Botany or Astrobotany, Microgravity Environment Research; Archaeoastronomy, Space Anthropology, Xeno-anthropology (Exo-anthropology), Space Law, Space Technology, Space Navigation, Space Communications, Space Architecture, Space Logistics, Space Robotics, Space Robotic Colonies, Space Colonization (also called Space Settlement or Extraterrestrial Colonization), Planetary Habitability, Space Manufacturing, Space Materials Science, Satellite Industry, Space Business, Space Tourism, Space Hardware, Space Industry, and Space Ecology. With the help of these advanced space sciences humankind began confidently the exploration of space. But these studies led also to numerous new technologies and applications to improve people's lives. Finally, we mention again Yuri Gagarin and his cosmic heritage. He left behind an inspirational legacy, which even today still continues to motivate millions of people worldwide.

Space Superhero: Formation of the Cult of Yuri Gagarin in the Context of the Relationship between Power and Society in the USSR

Based on the archival and published documents, materials of periodicals and other sources, the article characterizes the formation of a cult of the first Soviet astronaut Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin during the period from April 12 to May 1, 1961. According to the author, the basis of this cult was put by the decisions of the supreme authorities of the USSR on a personal initiative of Nikita Khrushchev and included the following elements: 1) astronaut's rewarding with the state awards and distinctions; 2) inclusion of the first space flight date in the memorial calendar; 3) making decision on the creation of the memorial constructions connected with Gagarin’s name. On this basis, various practices, rituals, and discourses connected with Gagarin’s cult that in general corresponded to the mechanisms of personal glorification during the Stalin’s period in the 1930s and during the Great Patriotic War were built on. The local authorities, separate labor collectives and individual actors seeking to make the contribution to Gagarin's celebration actively participated in the process within the limits of their powers and opportunities. It was expressed in such forms as assignment of Gagarin’s name to various objects, generation of prizes and production initiatives, writing amateurs’ poems on the space theme for the Soviet press, etc. The USSR authorities encouraged the maximum distribution of the Gagarin’s cult throughout the country; however, various initiatives "from below" became noticed and were supported only when they promoted implementation of the consolidating, mobilizational and educational scenarios of the power.

John F. Kennedy and the Desire to Land an American on the Moon

This paper examine John F. Kennedy and how the conditions of the Cold War influenced his decision to launch the Apollo Program in 1961 and eventually land an American on the Moon. This paper argues that Kennedy adopted this program due to the pressure evoked on him from the previous Eisenhower administration and the political embarrassments of his early administration, being the Bay of Pigs invasion and the successful spaceflight of Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. Kennedy's space efforts reflected a response to Cold War conflicts and allowed him to cement in legacy is Cold War lure. An examination and analyzation of many of Kennedy's speeches and actions provide the foundation of evidence for these claims.