Amateur astronomy and the contribution of its representatives to the development of astronomical research in Kharkiv in 1920–1930

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15421/272203

Abstract

The activity of representatives of amateur astronomy in Kharkiv during a certain period in organization of public centers of non-professional science, which directed their activity on dissemination of astronomical knowledge, is considered. The aim of the work is to generalize the results of complex historical and scientific research on the development of amateur astronomy in Kharkiv in the 1920s‑1930s and the participation of its representatives in astronomical observations at the Kharkiv Astronomical Observatory. The preconditions for the emergence of amateur astronomers’ associations in Kharkiv, the creation of the «People’s Observatory» and the formation of its instrumental base were clarified; examples of participation and influence of university astronomers, mainly prof. Mykola Barabashov, in the organization of the amateur movement in the first capital of Ukraine were given. The personal contribution of Kharkiv amateur astronomers, in particular Leonid Andrenko and Volodymyr Karger in popularizing astronomical science among the general public has been specified. The stages of development of amateur astronomy in Kharkiv during a certain period were analyzed, organizational forms, thematic orientation and directions of activity of amateur astronomical groups in Kharkiv were considered, in particular: astronomical circle at the Artem All-Ukrainian Social Museum, the Society of Friends and Amateurs of Astronomy, astronomical circle at the Kharkiv Astronomical Observatory, etc. The presented study is one of the important stages on the way to revealing the history of the development of astronomy in Kharkiv in the 1920s and 1930s, the focus is on the problem of works, devoted to the activities of amateurs of astronomy in the context of studying the history of Ukrainian astronomical science. It is assumed that the materials of the study will be used in scientific research on the history of astronomy in Kharkiv in the first half of the XX century.

Published

2022-06-20