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 Star watching
There are three observatories near Almaty: the Tien-Shan observatory beyond the Big Almaty Lake, an observatory of the Institute of Astrophysics on Kamenskoye plateau and the Assy-Turgen observatory 150 km to the north-east from Almaty. The first two can be visited to watch stars through telescopes while listening to a lecture on astronomy.
To arrange a visit to the Astrophysics Institute's observatory call the Institute's research fellow Lyubov' Illarionovna at 54-86-39 (8 AM - 12 PM) or 53-10-85 (10 AM - 5 PM). The cost of the visit (2 hour lecture and watching the stars) is $10 for a group of 10 persons maximum. For bigger groups, the charge is $20.You should call in advance, in the morning of the day you are planning to come at the latest. You will be asked to make a check call at about 5-6 PM to get confirmation that the sky is good for watching. To get to the observatory, drive up Dostyk avenue (road to Medeo) until the "Bridge" (Most) bus stop. You will know the place by GAI (road police) check post. Take the right turning and take only left turns afterwards. You should come straight to the gates of the Institute of Astrophysics, which is beyond the Ak-Kain sanatorium. Actually, if you feel like staying overnight after the lecture and show-up, Ak-Kain is an option. We were told that in winter sky one can see constellations of Orion, Taurus, Gemini and planets of Jupiter, Saturn and Mars.
The Tien-Shan (GAISH) observatory beyond Big Almaty Lake is a challenge to reach both for hikers and drivers. Visits are usually scheduled for weekends. Star watching plus a lecture costs $10 for a group of 10 persons or less. For bigger groups, the charge is $20. Astronomers speak some English but translation is preferrable. You can (actually, you will have to as only kamikaze can drive back in the middle of the night) stay overnight on the observatory's site in houses ($10 per person) or hotel ($15). 3 meals a day are an additional $10 charge. Director Kenes Kuratov can be reached at 25-20-92 (some English), Sholpan at 24-66-70 (evenings, only Russian). They arrange transportation by car (10 persons) or bus (25 persons) for $5 per person, i.e. $50 for a car and $100 for a bus. Please note that the road condition to the observatory (especially its part to the Big Almaty Lake) is disastrous. So, we advise that you do not drive yourself unless you are good at driving on mountain serpentine roads.
01.03.02
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