OUR OBSERVATORY

 Sergey Alexandrovich Kolobov Observatory

The universe is an endless ocean of mysteries, where each new glimpse into the sky reveals unknown horizons. It was this unquenchable fascination with cosmic secrets that led to the creation of our observatory - a unique scientific project marking a significant milestone in the development of astronomy in the region.

The only observatory in the Southern Urals named after Kolobov is located outside the city, near the Abzakovo resort (70 kilometers from Magnitogorsk), providing ideal conditions for astronomical observations - far from urban lights and dust.

Established to address several key objectives: 

  • • Conducting scientific research in astronomy and astrophysics, studying the Solar System and deep space, exoplanets, stars, and other celestial objects.
  • • Developing educational programs for school students and university attendees, promoting science literacy among youth.
  • • Creating a platform for astronomy enthusiasts where anyone can learn modern space observation techniques.
  • • Collaborating with international research centers on global scientific projects.
  • • Advancing new technologies to enable more precise and efficient observations of stars and planets.

Sergey Alexandrovich Kolobov

A legendary physics and astronomy teacher who educated several generations of Magnitogorsk school students. The facility's opening was timed to coincide with Sergey Alexandrovich's 100th anniversary, celebrated on August 26, 2022.

On February 25, 2025, the S.A. Kolobov Observatory received an official international designation assigned by the Minor Planet Center (MPC) and was included in the World Observatory List!

MPC – is the official organization that, under the auspices of the International Astronomical Union, collects and systematizes observational data on small Solar System bodies, including comets, calculates their orbits, and publishes this information in the Minor Planet Circular. It is located at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, which is part of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics along with the Harvard College Observatory.

On the Minor Planet Center website, we were 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, 98 asteroid position points were obtained, precise coordinates for each point were determined, and asteroid brightness measurements were performed. Astrometry was conducted using the Astrometrica software. All data were compiled and submitted to the Minor Planet Center.

Thanks to this work, the S.A. Kolobov Observatory can now share its observations and obtained data, signing with the assigned code M67. And this data will be accepted with trust!

Thus, the observatory becomes not only a center of science and knowledge but also a 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!