Observatories have long attracted people's attention. Scientific institutions have studied astronomical phenomena, weather and climate change. Nowadays, tourists have the opportunity to see the research process with their own eyes. Find out which observatories you can visit in Ukraine to get involved in the art of astronomy and meteorology
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CHOOSE A TOUR Most people associate the word ‘observatory’ with the starry sky. However, these institutions study not only astronomical phenomena. They also study the weather, predict earthquakes, and analyse magnetic storms, which have become so common in recent years. Observatories have been known for centuries, as the study of the stars began in the Middle Ages. For a long time, these were purely scientific institutions, but now tourists have the opportunity to join excursions to the museum parts of observatories. Read this article to find out where you can travel in Ukraine to learn about the sky, stars, celestial phenomena, and weather.
Astronomical Observatory of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
This observatory is dedicated to astronomy - it studies space and celestial phenomena. It is located in Kyiv and is a functional unit of one of the most famous Ukrainian universities, the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Starting from September 2023, the observatory will be open for tours, but in compliance with all safety rules.
Tours are available by appointment. To do this, send an email to astromuz_univ@ukr.net or call the following numbers:
- (044)486-39-10
- (098) 366-08-23
Please note: Excursions that include telescope observations are possible only in clear and low cloudy weather, so please call the observatory on the day of the planned excursion to check whether there will be an observation.
Excursions to the Astronomical Museum are held regardless of weather conditions. At the museum, you can learn about the history of scientific research in the relevant field, see examples of various astronomical instruments from past centuries, ask questions to the guide, and learn more about astronomy as a science.
The cost of the tour:
100 UAH. - for adults;
50 UAH. - for privileged categories;
free for combatants and their families.
The Main Astronomical Observatory of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
The Main Astronomical Observatory also invites visitors to participate in amateur astronomical observations. Lectures and seminars are also held in conjunction with them. Classes are based on a popular science teaching style, so they are interesting for everyone.
To book a tour or join a lecture, please call the following phone numbers:
- 066-370-01-23 (Mikhail Lashko)
- 097-236-28-80
Attention! The tour is subject to a group of 10 people, the lecture - 20 people. Groups can be formed only by prior arrangement.
Kyiv impresses not only because it is home to two of the most famous observatories. It is also a city of fantasy and ancient legends. You can learn more about this and other things on a tour of mystical Kyiv.
Mykolaiv Astronomical Observatory
Mykolaiv Observatory is one of the oldest in Eastern Europe. Founded in 1821 as a maritime observatory, it became an independent scientific institution in 19992. Currently, it is under the supervision of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.
The Mykolaiv Observatory is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the centre of Mykolaiv at an altitude of 52 metres above sea level.
Warning. Due to the high risk of shelling in the city, it is necessary to take care of your own safety in advance and plan a route to the shelter.
When planning a route to the southern regions, you should pay attention to the tour of the hero city of Mykolaiv. The donation tour is unique because it is available all the time and is focused on demonstrating the southern regions after de-occupation.
Odesa Astronomical Observatory
Tours are conducted on the official territory of the observatory - in Taras Shevchenko Park. The tour group is formed by the tour desk or a person responsible for this area in the institution. The event takes place when a group of 10 to 50 people is recruited.
The excursion programme includes the following elements:
- watching a popular science film in the planetarium;
- an overview lecture on astronomy;
- observing celestial phenomena with a telescope.
The approximate duration of the tour is 2 hours, but it can be shortened for children's groups. The events are usually held in the late afternoon.
For more information, please call: 097-234-39-42
Discover more of Odesa‘s sights on a tour of the southern capital. You will definitely be impressed by the versatility and cultural diversity of this city.
Lviv Astronomical Observatory
The Lviv Astronomical Observatory offers two types of tours:
- using the telescopes of the country observation station;
- at the city observation platform in the centre of Lviv.
Attention! Starry sky tours are held only in good weather (cloudless sky) and for organised groups (8-15 people). Individual visitors can join organised groups.
Guided tours are possible only with prior registration:
- for an excursion to the observation deck: 050-50-28-149 (Salnikov Igor Valerievich, you can call from Monday to Friday from 11:00 to 17:00);
- for an excursion to the observation station: 067-919-05-47 (Kukhar Ihor Bohdanovych).
Earlier, we talked about the historical heritage of the Ukrainian people. You cansee the majestic castles that have turned into ruins here.
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Frequantly
asked questions
Are there any excursions to the observatory?
Observatories have been known for centuries, as the study of the stars began in the Middle Ages. For a long time, these were purely scientific institutions, but now tourists have the opportunity to join excursions to the museum parts of observatories.
Does cloud cover affect observatory tours?
Excursions that include telescope observations are possible only in clear and low cloudy weather, so on the day of the planned excursion, you need to call the observatory to clarify whether there will be an observation.
How can I sign up for an excursion to the Astronomical Observatory of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv?
An excursion to the Astronomical Observatory of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv is available by appointment. To do this, send an email to astromuz_univ@ukr.net or call the following numbers:
- (044)486-39-10
- (098) 366-08-23
How much does an excursion to the Astronomical Observatory of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv cost?
The cost of the tour:
100 UAH. - for adults;
50 UAH. - for privileged categories;
free of charge for combatants and their families.
How can I sign up for an excursion to the Main Astronomical Observatory of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine?
You can book a tour or join the lecture by calling the following phone numbers:
- 066-370-01-23 (Mykhailo Lashko)
- 097-236-28-80