Will astronomy survive in Tajikistan?

  During the Soviet time two observatories - Hissor and Sanglok were built in Tajikistan, and the Institute of Astrophysics was organized. The Soviet system of education and the practice of the State distribution of young specialists allowed to generate a capable staff of employees. Thus, at the beginning of 1990-es fifty astronomers and astrophysicists worked in Tajikistan, though not everyone had graduated from specialized astronomical faculties or universities outside Tajikistan: part of them were re-trained physicists, graduates of the local University and the Pedagogical University.

  The Institute carried out its own special studies of galaxies, stars and small bodies of the Solar System; besides, works on astrometry and geophysics were conducted. The scientific staff participated actively in international astronomic programs and geophysical projects. Because of limitations in volume for this article I cannot go into details to mention the names and the results achieved.

  I try to outline the present situation: the largest instrument is 1-m RCC telescope of Karl Zeiss Vienna manufacture. It is mounted on Sanglok at the altitude of 2300 m. There are also: 70-cm reflector of Russian manufacture, and 60-cm reflector plus 40-cm astrograph - both of Karl Zeiss Vienna manufacture. Besides, there are a number of computers, a desktop publishing system. However, the service equipment of the telescopes is obsolete. Most of telescopes are in need of repair and modernization. There are no operating funds, the activity of the observatories has practically stopped. Observations are conducted from time to time.

  There are many reasons to that: the economic difficulties and the entirely new general situation. The situation was aggravated by departure of many employees, though some of them visit the sites sometimes. Right now, there are only 15 researchers left at the Institute. All of them are Doctors and Candidates of Science. In the last years our Institute received some information and technical assistance. A number of scientific magazines free of charge as the result of the efforts of the International Astronomic Society of the Commonwealth of Independent States, European astronomic organizations and institutions and various international funds. Once, we received "Astrophysical Journal" from USA free of charge. Two IBM/PC 486 from American Astronomic Society and European Southern Observatory were sent. Some of our researches received either one-time or long-term financial support.

  Finally, I am approaching the main goal. It would be very good if international organizations working in Tajikistan and in the rest of the world helped in solution of issues concerning survival of astronomy in Tajikistan by way of creation of a non-government international fund for development of astronomy in Tajikistan. It is necessary to find such an organization in Tajikistan that would take responsibility for protection of this fund. Our initiative group of enthusiast astronomers are able and ready to prepare appropriate documents for its official registration and ensure its functioning. Creation of such fund would provide financial support for astronomic research on the more regular basis.

  Thus, the problem of accumulation of financial means and their spending for particular technical projects and fundamental researches, support for young astronomers, publication of transactions, dissemination of astronomic knowledge, opening of a Planetarium in Dushanbe would be resolved.

  My contact telephones are: (3772) 23 26 61 (office), 21 70 90 (home). Postal address: 22 Bukhoro street, Dushanbe, 734025 Tajikistan.

  Muzaffar N.Maksumov
Corresponding Member of the Academy of Science of the Republic of Tajikistan, astrophysicist

ASIA-Plus Information agency (Dushanbe, Tajikistan)
Phone/Fax:+7 (992.372) 510136, 217220, 218691, 244013, 217863
E-mail: info@asiaplus.tajik.net
Web site: http://www.asiaplus.tajnet.com


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