In 2012-2013 the Russian State will fund the building of a Moscow State University observatory in the Republic of Karachay-Cherkessia. The expenses are expected to amount to $42mln.

      The building of the observatory has already started in August 2011 in the village of Kichi-Balyk. The observatory will occupy the territory in 7.7 hectars and is located 2100m above the sea level.

      The new observatory's main objective will be to provide world-class research and observation facilities for Astronomy students. The observatory will contain 5 telescopes; on its premises will be located houses for lodging teachers, hostels, and a building that will house the unique equipment for making aluminate glasses. 

      The project is undertaken at the request of the Lomonosov Moscow State University and its member academy, Sternberg State Astronomic Institute for the MSU.

      The existing Special Astrophysical Observatory built in 1966 at the request of the Russian Academy of Sciences is located in the Bolshoi Zelenchuk Valley near the village of Nizhny Arkhyz in the Greater Caucasus and has become a very popular tourist landmark in the area. The qualified guides organise excursions, opening up to visitors the fascinating discipline of Astronomy.

      Source: Science&Technology.