ASTRONOMY AT THE SOUTH OF RUSSIA

The brief review of the astronomical infrastructure of the South of Russia where the major astronomical facilities are concentrated is presented. The astronomical centers are listed with brief description for each. The prospects of development of astronomy in our country are discussed. The importance of international cooperation for the development of astronomy is noted. An exceptionally positive role in the development of domestic astronomy could be played by our country’s joining the largest international astronomical organization, the European Southern Observatory, which has the most advanced instrument park. This would allow us to overcome the technological gap that has developed over decades and gain access to all the largest telescopes in the world, however, in the current geopolitical situation, the ways for this are closed. The development of millimeter and submillimeter astronomy looks the most realistic and promising in the current situation due to the importance of this spectral range for astronomical research, the almost complete absence of appropriate instruments in Russia, prospects from the point of view of the development of relevant industrial technologies as well as the existing groundwork (projects Suffa and Millimetron). As the first step it is proposed to develop a special program for the southern region describing a number of strategically important steps and including creation of a new observatory in the North Caucasus. This should involve the participation of scientific organizations and universities in the South of Russia, including the Southern Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

astronomy, telescopes, millimeter astronomy