VivaCell to provide 23.3mln drams for modernization of control system of telescopes in Byurakan observatory

YEREVAN, October 3. /ARKA/. Armenia’s mobile communication operator VivaCell will provide 23.3mln Drams for modernization and reconstruction of the control system of the telescopes in Byurakan-based Observatory. 2.6-meter long telescope of Byurakan Observatory currently is in a poor state due to shortage of financial means, the Press Service of the company reported.

The funds provided by VivaCell will allow purchasing and utilizing modern equipment for the 2.6-meter long telescope. Particularly, new computers will be installed and the system on production of nitrogen to ensure the thermal protection of the control center will be reconstructed, the report says.

The electronic system of the telescope is also to be reconstructed; particularly a new light-absorbing device – CCD matrix – will be created and applied in the control system. The company’s funds will also be used for reconstruction of 1-meter long telescope of Schmidt the launching ceremony for which was attended by the Secretary General of USSR Nikita Khrushev in 1961.

The Byurakan Observatory was founded in 1946. It is the most important center of Armenian astrophysics where for decades scholarly research have been conducted by Armenian astronomers, and among them was also the outstanding scientist Viktor Hambardzumyan

VivaCell (K-Telecom CJSC) has operated in Armenia’s mobile communication market since July 1 2005. N.V. –0--