Development of astronomy in Kharkiv at the beginning of the XX century (1900 – 1917)

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15421/272105

Abstract

The research activities of the astronomical observatory of Kharkiv University during 1900–1917 were considered. The aim of the work is to carry out complex historical and scientific research on the development of astronomy in Kharkiv at a certain period. The source base of the work consists of materials from the Archives of the Astronomical Institute V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Archives of the V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University and the State Archives of the Kharkiv Region. Special methods (historical-biographical, historicalchronological, retrospective and source-oriented analysis) have been applied, their use has made it possible to determine the main milestones in the development of Kharkiv astronomy, to reveal the content of the scientific heritage of the representatives of the University Observatory, in particular, publications were analyzed: Boris Gerasimovich, Mykola Evdokimov, Volodymyr Kavraiskiy, Boris Kudrevich, Ludwig Struve, Vasyl Fesenkov. The subjects and directions of their research devoted to the study of the activity of the Sun and variable stars are considered; the intensity of the luminosity of the night sky and the effect of atmospheric absorption on zodiac light; the results of observations of Solar and Lunar eclipses and the processing of their observations; observations with the Rebeur-Paschwitz’s horizontal pendulums; photographing comets and minor planets. Participation of the Astronomical Observatory of Kharkiv University in international programs and projects, dedicated to the creation of star catalogues is shown. The most relevant at the study period was the fundamental works of Kharkiv astronomers, aimed at determining the annual parallaxes of individual stars and the coordinates of circumpolar stars. The participation of the University Observatory expedition in the observation of the total Solar eclipse of 1914 was highlighted; the issues of functioning of the school-workshop for precision mechanics at the Kharkiv Observatory was clarified. The research carried out continues the problem of the history of the development of national astronomical science and is one of the important stages in the study of the history of astronomy in Kharkiv during the period 1900-1917 on the example of the Astronomical Observatory of Kharkiv University. It is expected that the materials of the study will be used in the research work on the history of astronomy in Kharkiv of the first half of the XXth century.

Published

2021-05-17