OUR OBSERVATORY
Sergey Alexandrovich Kolobov Observatory
The universe is an infinite ocean of mysteries, where every glimpse into the sky unveils new horizons waiting to be explored. Such mysteries fed an insatiable curiosity about the cosmos, inspiring the establishment of our observatory—a groundbreaking scientific initiative that represents a significant milestone in the advancement of astronomy in the region.
Nestled in the Southern Urals, the Kolobov Observatory is the only one of its kind in the area. Located just outside the city, near the Abzakovo resort (70 kilometres from Magnitogorsk), it offers ideal conditions for astronomical observations, far removed from the glare of urban lights and dust.
The observatory was established to fulfill several key objectives:
- • Conduct scientific research in astronomy and astrophysics, with a focus on the Solar System, deep space, exoplanets, stars, and other celestial objects.
- • Develop educational programs for school students and university attendees, fostering scientific literacy among young people.
- • Create a welcoming platform for astronomy enthusiasts, where anyone can learn modern techniques for space observation.
- • Collaborate with international research centres on global scientific projects.
- • Advance new technologies to facilitate more precise and efficient observations of stars and planets.
Sergey Alexandrovich Kolobov
A legendary teacher of physics and astronomy, Sergey Alexandrovich educated several generations of school students in Magnitogorsk. The opening of the facility was timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of his birth celebrated on August 26, 2022.
On February 25, 2025, the S.A. Kolobov Observatory received an official international designation from the Minor Planet Centre (MPC) and was included in the World Observatory List.
The MPC is the official organisation, operating under the auspices of the International Astronomical Union. It collects and systematises observational data on small bodies in the Solar System, including comets, calculates their orbits, and publishes this information in the Minor Planet Circular. The MPC is located at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, which is part of the Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics, alongside the Harvard College Observatory.
On the Minor Planet Centre website, we have been assigned the code M67.
To obtain the international designation, the observatory's astronomers conducted scientific work - imaging twelve asteroids with magnitudes fainter than 14-15, including two near-Earth asteroids, with sub-second precision. Observations were carried out for 4 consecutive nights, from February 8 to 11. As a result of this effort, 98 position points for asteroids were obtained, with precise coordinates determined for each point, along with measurements of asteroid brightness. The astrometry was conducted using Astrometrica software, and all data were compiled and submitted to the Minor Planet Centre.
Thanks to this work, the S.A. Kolobov Observatory can now share its observations and findings under the assigned code M67, and this data will be received in complete confidence of it's accuracy.
In this way, the observatory not only serves as a centre of science and knowledge but also as a gathering place where dreamers and researchers unite in their quest to unravel the mysteries of the universe.
Welcome to the world of stars, where science and dreams walk hand in hand!