Engelgardt observatory in D.Ya. Martynov's biography – a view from SAI

D.Ya. Martynov’s passion for astronomy manifested itself even before he began his studies at the University. During his studies he was involved to leading astronomical schools in Kazan, and in Leningrad. His openness to new scientific ideas and 23 уears of leadership experience as the director of the Engelgardt Observatory, when its position was strengthened within scientific astronomical community, – all these made him a brilliant scientist, leader and organizer of science. This experience allowed D.Ya.Martynov, after moving to the SAI, to understand clearly, what was needed to be done for the institute to reach new heights in science, to give birth for strong “scientific schools”, that remain actual for many years.

Attributes of the outstanding universal value of Kazan university astronomical observatories

Since 2003, UNESCO has been actively promoting an initiative to include monuments related to astronomical heritage in the World Heritage List. One of the potential objects within the framework of this initiative could be observatories of Kazan University – the historical building of the observatory of Kazan Imperial University of the 19th century and the complex of the country observatory named after V.P. Engelhardt (1901). The article provides a detailed description of these objects, the justification of their outstanding universal value, considers possible criteria of value within the framework of UNESCO nomination rules, as well as the authenticity and integrity of the astronomical objects nominated.

Activities Of The Yakutsk Geophysical Observatory (Cosmic Ray Laboratory) In 1928–1962

The relevance of the research topic is related to the generalization of the Soviet experience in formation and development of cosmophysical research in Yakutia over several decades, from the activities of weather stations to the creation of the Institute of Cosmophysical Research and Aeronomy of the Yakutsk Branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences. The formation of the network of 23 stationary meteorological and upper-air stations and the Geophysical Observatory is disclosed. The first stage of the activity of these institutions was identified as of high practical importance in the development of aviation, gold mining industry on Aldan and Amur-Yakutsk highway construction.The second stage was characteristic by innovative developments of Yakut scientists as semiconductor devices for artificial Earth satellites, cameras for shooting auroras, and an ionization camera for continuous registration of cosmic rays, that received worldwide recognition. Study of radiation situation in near-Earth space during solar flares and high-altitude thermonuclear explosions testified, that Yakutia contributed to increasing of the country's defense capability. Particular attention is paid to the activities of the station on Bolshoy Lyakhovsky Island of the Novosibirsk Islands, which served Arctic aviation flights and coastal navigation along the Northern Sea Route.

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.

History and activities of the Kourovka astronomical observatory of the Ural university

The history of origin and scientific activities of the suburban Astronomical Observatory of the Ural University are associated with K.A. Barkhatova’s life and work, among her achievements were restoration of the Department of Astronomy and Geodesy in 1960, and the resumption of the training of specialists in astronomy and geodesy. The First satellite launch on October 4, 1957 was great stimulus for the opening of department. A station for optical observations of satellites was organized in Sverdlovsk. Successful scientific and academic work of the department required a modern, properly equipped suburban observatory. Yu.A. Gagarin flight around the Earth on April 12, 1961 aroused unprecedented interest in astronomy and space among people and accelerated the resolution of the issue of an observatory construction. K.A. Barkhatova, with the support of colleagues from the Astronomical Council of the USSR Academy of Sciences, other observatories of the country, rector of the Ural University, and the public took up the construction. In 1963 the observatory near Kourovka station was founded. January 12, 1965 is considered to be the birthday of the new observatory. K.A. Barkhatova was it’s scientific adviser; at present, the observatory is named after her. The observatory performs observations on modern equipment, conducts excursions for students, teachers and public. Each year, the observatory hosts a student scientific conference "Physics of Space" – a unique astronomical school for young students and graduate students.

Astronomical observatories included in the UNESCO World Heritage List

The article analyses the World Heritage Center activities in the implementation of the pilot project "Astronomy and World Heritage. Thematic Initiative", which was launched in 2003. As part of this project, in 2010, 2019 and in 2021 five objects, related to the astronomical heritage were added to the World Heritage List. However, a detailed study of the UNESCO World Heritage List shows, that it already contains astronomical heritage objects (usually historical observatories), which fit there as part of complex nominations, for example, centers of historical cities or groups of architectural structures, concentrated on historical and cultural territory. Examples of astronomical heritage sites included in the UNESCO World Heritage List are described.

Architectural heritage of Tyumen merchants

The article is devoted to the architectural heritage of Tyumen city of the late XIX — early XX centuries, which was created at the expense of local merchants. The work is based on historical, archival and bibliographic studies, as well as on the results of a full-scale survey. Tyumen merchants' charity activities were examined, it was revealed, that they resulted in the construction of numerous objects, that form the city look. Typological groups of objects are displayed and bright representatives of each group are marked.

International legal description of crimes in the field of culture and art

The article deals with international crimes related to cultural heritage. The current international legal framework for the protection of cultural heritage and the prosecution of persons, involved in cultural crimes, is being analyzed. The authors attempted to classify Che types of crimes, gave international legal characteristics to attribute the crime to the relevant field of international legal regulation, and also presented examples from legal practice. The article uses methods of interpretation of law, analytical methods, methods of comparative law, as well as classification and typology.

Astronomical Observatories related to the World Heritage List

The article examines the existing relationship between two important concepts, but which are different a priori. First is the heritage of astronomy, generally associated with modern European science and its development through the construction of aseries of famous observatories with large fixedinstruments, all along lgth - 20th centuries. Second is the successful implementation of the World Heritage convention from around 50 years, with its famous List of heritage sites, monuments, ancient cities and landscapes.The article shows the relatively limited number, but already notable, of places nowadays registered on the World Heritage List or even sometime places aiming to be nominated for next years. Additional questions raise, asked by a partnership between Astronomy and World Heritage List; e.g.: the existing astronomical heritage from ancient civilizaions or indigenous societies; astronomy as associated value of broader nominations including classical heritage as palaces, monuments, historical cities and etc. In conclusion, we shortly examine the perspectives of the joint field of Astronomy and World Heritage.