Abastumani observatory in Georgia's south-west unveils new dome, telescope

The historical Abastumani observatory in the spa town of south-western Georgia’s Samtskhe-Javakheti region has received a new 12-metre-radius dome and telescope as part of a rehabilitation of the historical facility, the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure said on Wednesday.

Minister Irakli Karseladze said the observatory would “regain and develop its status as a major centre of scientific attraction in Georgia and beyond”, adding the telescope built by an Austrian company and the dome produced by Italian manufacturers were set to undergo testing before their use for research, scientific, and educational work.

Karseladze noted “all necessary infrastructure” had been set up in the area of the 92-year-old observatory, enabling it to independently pursue scientific and research activities.

With the new telescope, appropriate equipment, and infrastructure, the observatory will host high-level conferences and symposiums. We are glad that we are participating in the project that will make the observatory a world centre of astrophysical science”, he added.

The Ministry said the project, which is co-financed from the state budget, was being implemented within the World Bank's loan agreement worth ₾8.6 million ($3.1 mln).

Photo: Ministry of Infrastructure

The rehabilitation of the observatory building itself was completed in 2019 with establishment of a visitor information centre, a multimedia space for astronomy and workrooms. Renovations were also made to the canteen, and plans for the establishment of a digital museum were developed.

The Ministry also said restoration of historical houses from the 19th and 20th centuries, a cable car station from 1982, and a central park along the resort's main street also completed. A master plan for the Abastumani resort was also developed with improvements to water supply and wastewater systems and a wastewater treatment plant.

The body added ongoing construction efforts included a full rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Baghdati-Abastumani road and construction of an Abastumani bypass road to further enhance the resort's “unique appeal”.