Kyiv University Astronomical Observatory Complex

Abstract

The article examines the complex of monuments of the Astronomical Observatory of Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National University. A description of the area and surroundings of the Kyiv University Astronomical Observatory is given, in particular, the general landscape and components located within the territory of the attraction. According to the results of processing the materials of the State Archive of the city of Kyiv, the data regarding the allocation of the site for the construction of the Astronomical Observatory and the construction of the main building of the institution and the role of Professor V. F. Fedorov in this were clarified. The history of site development, design, construction and development in different periods of the observatory’s existence, as well as the development of scientific thought in the institution, were studied. The current status of the observatory as a monument is explained. The architecture of the main observatory building, its purpose, design history and the role of Beretti architects in the design, construction, external and internal changes are studied. The history of construction, modernization, location details, technical characteristics of other important buildings of the Astronomical Observatory complex, in particular, the Professor’s Wing, the Laboratory-Residential Building, are revealed. During the existence of the observatory, the pavilions of stationary instruments on the territory of the manor were partially rebuilt and their number changed depending on the change of scientific topics. Therefore, the article briefly examines the oldest of them, in particular the Meridian Circle Pavilion and the round tower with a rotating dome for the Repsold refractor (now the Mertz-Repsold Astrograph Pavilion). Also, the list of professor astronomers who worked or lived in the observatory buildings discussed in the article was clarified.