National Astronomical Observatory and Planetarium - Yambol

Overview

The idea for building a NAOP in the town of Yambol arose at a time when epoch-making events in science were taking place - the launch of the first artificial satellite on Earth, the flight of the first astronaut, the landing of a man on the moon. A year before the opening of NAOP - Yambol began preparations for its creation, equipment and furniture. The experience of the observatories and planetariums built so far in Stara Zagora, Dimitrovgrad and Varna is used. In March 1970 a dome for the telescope was designed and built, and in April the first telescope was delivered - 150/2250, type "Cassegrain". From the Plovdiv Fair in September were delivered a telescope and planetarium ZKP - 1 "Kleines Planetarium", manufactured by the plants "Carl Zeiss", Germany. At the same time, the first extracurricular forms of astronomy began. Thus, on March 21, 1971, Acad. Bonev opened the third planetarium in Bulgaria so far - in the town of Yambol. The planetarium in the town of Yambol is the only one in southeastern Bulgaria and thousands of students and citizens pass through the star hall every year, and in 30 years their number exceeds 500,000 people. The offered 74 lectures-sessions support the acquisition of knowledge in native karai, natural sciences, geography, physics, astronomy, biology and philosophy from first to eleventh grade. The Astronomical Observatory and Planetarium are established as the only place in the region where mass work is carried out on training and popularization of astronomy and astronautics among all age groups of students and citizens. Discussions, seminars, lectures, meetings with prominent scientists from the country and abroad help for this. There are numerous musical evenings, book promotions, exhibitions of children's fine and applied arts, visits to museums and others. With the active participation of the Geographical Society in the town of Yambol, with the assistance of the Museum "Earth and People" and BAS, in 1996 the National Revenue Agency created a geographical complex entitled "Man - Earth - Sky", which includes a collection of minerals, rocks and meteorological landing. There has been an exhibition of sundials since 2000. Hundreds of students have taken part in the courses and clubs of NAOP. 150 of them have successfully defended their knowledge and have a certificate of "Amateur Astronomer". Today they are members of the astroclub "Orion" and support the activities of the NAOP as associates. In parallel with the educational and popularizing work, in NAOP - Yambol research activity is carried out. Over the past 30 years, physicists and astronomers have participated and published in national and international events - conferences, seminars, discussions. Contacts and joint work with related astronomical units at home and abroad - Russia, Slovakia, Belgium, Greece, England and Germany - are useful for professionals and students. In 1996 the Municipal Council - Yambol awarded with a badge of honor "Golden Emblem" NAOP - Yambol on the occasion of the 25th anniversary.