National Astronomical Observatory NAO Rozhen – a symbol of Bulgarian astronomy and a key scientific center
- Stefan Ivanov
- Sep 8, 2020
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 15
The National Astronomical Observatory "Rozhen" (NAO "Rozhen") is the largest and most significant astronomical complex in Southeast Europe and the Balkan Peninsula.
Located on the Holy Spirit Peak in the Rhodope Mountains, the observatory functions as the main center for astronomical and astrophysical research in Bulgaria.
Its creation is the result of the country's largest single investment in scientific infrastructure, exceeding 12 million leva.
The observatory is managed by the Institute of Astronomy at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS).
The history of NAO "Rozhen" begins with the installation of the two-meter telescope at the end of 1979, which marked the beginning of regular observational activities under scientific programs.
The official opening of the observatory took place on March 13, 1981, marking its official entry into operation.
The Observatory is part of the Institute of Astronomy at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, which guarantees its role as a central scientific body.
The construction of the NAO "Rozhen" is a continuation of a long-standing Bulgarian astronomical tradition. This continuity is symbolized by the fact that the first observational instrument used for astronomy education in Bulgaria - the 19th century telescope of Dr. Petar Beron - is today kept in the observatory.
The one-time investment of over 12 million leva made for the construction of the observatory remains the largest of its kind in Bulgaria's scientific infrastructure to this day.
This amount, provided during a period of economic and political challenges, shows that at the highest state level there was a clear strategic vision and commitment to the development of basic science.
This vision and financial support have enabled the construction of a facility that maintains its regional leadership position decades later.
This is a historical precedent that is direct evidence of the long-term planning and priority that was given to Bulgarian science in the past.
The observatory is located on the Rhodope peak of the Holy Spirit (Rozhen Peak) at an altitude of 1750 meters, near the cities of Smolyan and Chepelare.
This location is of key importance for the quality of astronomical observations, as the high altitude provides a more transparent and stable atmosphere, and the location in the Rhodope Mountains places it in an area with relatively good astroclimatic conditions.
The observatory was initially equipped with four main telescopes. With the addition of the new 1.5-meter telescope, the number of main instruments has increased.
Main telescopes of NAO "Rozhen":
2-meter RCC telescope (Carl Zeiss Jena, Ritchie-Chrétien-Coude) - a universal reflector, the main instrument of the observatory since the end of 1979
1.5-meter robotic telescope (ASA Astrosysteme GmbH, AZ1500) - the newest addition, officially opened on July 1, 2023 with the possibility of remote and fully automated control
50/70-cm Schmidt camera - designed for a wide range of observations
60-cm Cassegrain telescope with high resolution
30-cm MEADE telescope - used for studying the Sun, as well as for night observations by visitors
15-cm solar coronagraph, built with our own resources - a specialized instrument for studying the Sun.
The implementation of the new 1.5-meter telescope represents a significant qualitative leap in the way the observatory works. Designed for a fully automated mode, without the need for an operator, it allows remote access for control, which significantly increases the efficiency of observations. This transition from classical to modern robotic astronomy reduces the dependence on the human factor on site and facilitates integration into international observation networks. This investment, financed by the "National Roadmap for Scientific Infrastructure", shows that NAO "Rozhen" does not rely solely on its old glory, but is actively modernizing itself to remain competitive on a global scale.
Achievements
NAO "Rozhen" provides observations on a wide range of astronomical and astrophysical tasks - from the dynamics and physics of bodies from the Solar System, such as asteroids and comets, to extragalactic studies of distant galaxies and quasars.
The scientific contribution of the observatory is tangible and can be assessed through specific quantitative indicators. In the first 35 years of its opening, the observatory has contributed to over 1,400 scientific publications and more than 60 defended doctoral theses.
These figures are not just statistics, but concrete evidence of intense and fruitful scientific activity.
According to the world scientific literature databases, in the period 1996-2014 Bulgaria ranks 39th out of 163 countries in terms of publication activity and quality of scientific publications in the field of astronomy and astrophysics. This result is a direct consequence of the high-quality instrumentation, built with the large-scale investment of over 12 million leva, as well as the highly qualified team of the Institute of Astronomy. This clearly shows that the initial financial commitment has led to a significant scientific contribution and has paid dividends in the form of an established international reputation.
The LOFAR-BG project
In the immediate vicinity of NAO "Rozhen" the first Bulgarian station of the pan-European radio telescope LOFAR (LOFAR-BG) in Southeastern Europe is being built. This project represents a strategic expansion of the scientific capabilities of the complex. The station will consist of 192 antennas covering an area the size of a football field and will operate at low frequencies between 10 and 250 MHz.
The LOFAR-BG project is not just an addition, but a qualitative leap in the observatory's research activities. By integrating into the pan-European network, which operates as a huge interferometer the size of Europe, the station will allow Bulgarian scientists to engage in extremely modern and promising research in the field of radio astronomy, which has not been possible before.
Work on the project begins in early 2020, is included in the National Roadmap for Scientific Infrastructure of Bulgaria and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The total cost of the project is about 13 million leva.
Joining the LOFAR ERIC consortium as a full founding member is not only a scientific but also a geopolitical move that puts Bulgaria on a par with the most developed European countries in this cutting-edge field.
Educational and public mission
NAO "Rozhen" fulfills a dual role - in addition to being a scientific center, it also functions as a key tool for popularizing astronomy and training young professionals.
The observatory is a base for internships for students from Sofia and Shumen Universities, as well as for conducting astronomy schools for students from all over the country.
Despite its primary scientific activity, the observatory is open to public visits.
Rozhen – past, present and future of Bulgarian astronomy
The National Astronomical Observatory "Rozhen" is much more than a building with telescopes. It is a scientific center with a rich past, proven contributions and a clearly defined future. Its construction was an act of strategic vision that gave impetus to Bulgarian astronomy for decades to come.
The achievements in scientific production and the training of young staff are direct evidence of the successful return on the initial large-scale investment.
By implementing the new, fully robotic telescope and the ambitious LOFAR-BG project, the observatory demonstrates its commitment to modernization and integration into the global scientific community. These steps represent a key strategic shift aimed at diversifying research – from classical optical astronomy to modern robotic optics and a completely new field for Bulgaria, such as low-frequency radio astronomy.
The combination of classical, modern and future instruments makes NAO "Rozhen" a multidisciplinary and competitive scientific center. It will continue to be a key national asset for astronomical research, education and popularization of science in Bulgaria.
How to get to NAO "Rozhen"?
NAO "Rozhen" is located:
232 kilometers (about 3 hours and 22 minutes by car) from the capital
84 kilometers (about 1 hour and 43 minutes by car) from the city of Plovdiv
432 kilometers (about 5 hours and 35 minutes by car) from the city of Varna
311 kilometers (about 3 hours and 45 minutes by car) from the city of Burgas
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