Celestial body that fell on Azerbaijani territory is considered one of largest meteorites falling to Earth

How would you describe activities of the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory today? What successes has the Observatory achieved recently?

Our observatory holds regular astrophysical observations. We study physical characteristics of stars, galaxies, comets and other celestial bodies. In addition, the Observatory publishes two magazines in Russian and English.

We also liaise closely with the leading observatories of the world, in particular those in the U.S., Turkey, Iran, etc. In recent years we have strengthened material base of the observatory, purchased a large quantity of equipment, built laboratory building, updated telescopes and horns. All work is carried out at the proper level.

Are there any difficulties with the observation of celestial bodies?

All depends on weather conditions. If the weather permits, we will always make observations. Unfortunately, a host of artificial light sources have appeared around Shamakhy Observatory in recent years. They cause difficulties in monitoring the celestial bodies. In addition, lights from car headlights also hinder work of the observatory. In general, there are no so serious obstacles to observe celestial bodies.

We carry out observations using liquid nitrogen delivered from Baku. But this issue will be resolved soon. At present we are negotiating to purchase cryogenic equipment to do this nitrogen on-site.

So, do any meteorites fall to the territory of Azerbaijan? Is there any threat of fall of these celestial bodies to the country’s territory?

They do not fall now. But they did earlier. Our observatory has several meteorites of small size (10-15 cm). A large meteorite weighing 127 kg fell to territory of country’s Yardimli region in 1927. This meteorite is kept in the Institute of Geology. This is a celestial body, and is considered one of the largest meteorites falling to Earth.

It is impossible to predict fall of meteorites. It is difficult to predict the time of their fall, as they are very small. Moreover, many of them burn in the atmosphere before reaching Earth. A very small portion of meteorites reach Earth.

Today, the world's leading observatories monitor the celestial objects in near space in order to track the movement of asteroids, meteorites and comets approaching the Earth. These celestial bodies are a serious danger to astronauts.

Will any celestial bodies, asteroids, comets be approaching our planet this year, which Azerbaijan inhabitants will be able to observe?

No, this year Azerbaijan citizens cannot see celestial bodies approaching to our planet through telescopes. A lot of asteroids and comets are approaching the Earth at the moment. We are well familiar with them. But these celestial bodies are approaching in such a distance that they do not pose any danger to humanity.

But this does not mean that there is no threat of asteroids falling to Earth. There always such a threat. For example, asteroid with a diameter of 10-15 meters fell to Sahara in 2007. This indicates that there is a danger of asteroids falling to Earth. In addition, monitoring of Jupiter and other planets show that large meteorites fall on their surface, too.


/Day.Az/