On the night of January 12-13, the Odesa Astronomical Observatory was damaged by a Russian drone strike. There were no casualties, but several buildings and the dome of one of the telescopes were destroyed.
Observatory under fire
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine continues to damage global science. On the night of January 12-13, Odesa was hit by missiles from the invading country. Among the victims was the local astronomical observatory.
According to the public organization “Way to the Universe” whose goal is to promote knowledge about space and encourage schoolchildren to engage in astronomical observations, no one was killed or injured as the result of the impact, but several buildings and the dome of one of the telescopes were damaged.
The fact that the damage is very unpleasant is confirmed by the director of the observatory, Mykola Ivanovych Koshkin. According to him, mainly boiler rooms, workshops, and other utility rooms were affected. However, windows and doors in the historic building, where classes with schoolchildren are held, were also broken. The building housing the modern KT-50 telescope was also damaged.
Extent of damage
The photographs show the aftermath of enemy bombing. Windows and doors have been blown out in several buildings, and in some places the ceilings have crashed down. In particular, the same damaged auditorium where classes are held with schoolchildren can be seen.
The dome of Cook’s old English refractor telescope was also damaged and now cannot be opened. The instrument was not damaged. Despite its considerable age, it is still used to promote astronomy and conduct starry sky tours for schoolchildren.
Currently, employees of the Odesa Observatory are attempting to restore order to the site. The extent of the bombing’s impact on science remains to be determined.
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