Global Astronomy Survey for Armenia

SpoC Approved : YES

1. Professional (Research) Astronomy:

i.    Number of universities: 1; Yerevan State University (YSU), Department of Physics, Chair of Astrophysics, http://www.ysu.am
ii.    Number of universities: 1; Yerevan State University (YSU), Department of Physics, http://www.ysu.am
iii.    Number of academics: 60; 39 Senior Scientists: AKOPIAN Ashot A., AMIRKHANIAN Arthur S., ANDREASSIAN Ruben R., AVETISYAN Ara K., BALAYAN Smbat K., BROUTIAN Grigor H., CHAVUSHIAN Hovsep S., ERASTOVA Lida K., ERITSIAN Misak H., GIGOYAN Kamo S., GURZADYAN Grigor A., GURZADYAN Vahagn G., GYULBUDAGHIAN Armen L., HAKOPIAN Susanna A., HARUTYUNIAN Haik A., HOVANESYAN Julietta B., HOVHANNESSIAN Rafik Kh., HOVHANNISSIAN Martik A., ISKUDARIAN Sofik G., KALLOGHLIAN Arsen T., KARAPETIAN Emilia L., KAZARIAN Misha A., KHACHIKIAN Edward Ye., MAGAKIAN Tigran Yu., MAHTESSIAN Abraham P., MALUMIAN Vigen H., MELIKIAN Norair D., MICKAELIAN Areg M., MOVSESSIAN Tigran H., NIKOGHOSSIAN Arthur G., NIKOGHOSSIAN Elena H., OHANIAN Gabriel A., PARSAMIAN Elma S., PETROSIAN Artashes R., PIKICHIAN Hovhannes V., SEDRAKIAN Davit M., TER-KAZARIAN Gagik T., YEGHIAZARIAN Anahit A., YEGHIKIAN Ararat G.; 21 Junior Scientists: ABRAHAMYAN Hayk V., ADIBEKYAN Vardan, ASATRIAN Norair S., EGHIKIAN Anahit G., GEVORGYAN Mkrtich, GHAZARYAN Satenik A., GYULZADIAN Marietta V., HAKOBYAN Artur A., HARUTYUNYAN ArtakN., HOVHANNESSIAN Elena R., HOVHANNISYAN Lilit R., KARAPETIAN Arthur A., KOSTANDYAN  Gayane R., MARTIROSYAN Jaklin R., MOVSISSIAN Vardan H., OHANIAN Greta B., PARONYAN Gurgen M., PETROSYAN Gohar, SARGSYAN Davit M., SARGSYAN Lusine A., SINAMYAN Parandzem K., personal webpages of almost all of them at http://www.aras.am
iv.    Number of astronomical facilities 2; Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO): http://www.bao.sci.am: 2.6m telescope, 1m and 0.5m Schmidt telescopes, 0.5m and 0.4m telescopes; Yerevan Astronomical Observatory (YAO): 60cm educational telescope.
v.    Self evaluation: Phase 1, well established.

2. Public Understanding of Astronomy:

i.    Nothing.
ii.    Some activities by the Armenian Astronomical Society (ArAS).
iii.    Almost no presence of astronomy in the media. No specific programmes on astronomy. No much interest from the public. On our opinion, this is due to the attitude from the government.
iv.    Very few people are interested in astronomy/science. After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, most of the young people search for interest in trade or other branches of industry, not in science. The explanation is very simple, scientists’ salaries are very-very poor.
v.    Self evaluation: Phase 2, in need of support.

3. Astronomy in Schools:

i.    No such programmes.
ii.    No such programmes.
iii.    Till two years ago, there was a regular subject of astronomy at all secondary schools. Now astronomy is a small part of physics. Nevertheless, some special schools organize astronomy lessons and provide gifted pupils for International Astronomy Olympiads, and they have been rather successful.
iv.    There are some (4) special schools having bias on physics/mathematics. These schools also organize astronomy lessons. Altogether, a few hundred students study sufficient level of physical sciences at schools.
v.    Self evaluation: Phase 2, in need of support.

For more info please visit the Armenian Astronomical Society (ArAS) website at http://www.aras.am and contact Dr. Areg Mickaelian.
The ArAS website contains a lot of info about the Armenian astronomy (mainly, professional).