Science / Nature
Arkhyz · BTA.
Mountains, quiet and questions for the universe.
A sense of place
The Big Telescope Alt-azimuth stands at about 2,070 metres above sea level. Its 6.05-metre primary mirror is part of a scientific instrument that has become a landmark in its own right.
People & culture
Astronomical observation is teamwork. Researchers and engineers bring together precision mechanics, optics and scientific questions.
Begin with how the instrument works and what astronomers use it to investigate.
Sources & context
An editorial introduction. Archive photography. Checked 24 September 2026.
