TEN YEARS OF ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY AT SHUMEN UNIVERSITY

Abstract

The article is dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the Astronomical Observatory (AO) at the Astronomical Center "Prof. Vladimir Shkodrov" of the Shumen University "Bishop Konstantin Preslavski" (www.astro.shu.bg ). The history of the AO from its opening to the present day is traced in three areas: equipment, scientific results, training and popularization. Special attention is paid to the educational opportunities of the new and most modern planetarium at the AO, opened a year ago. The material base is described and methodological guidelines for the use of this scientific research and educational complex by students and teachers are given. The possibilities for STEAM training at the AO are discussed in more detail in the article (Marchev, D. at all 2025b). The scientific areas in which the AO is working are presented, as well as some of the latest unpublished results. Attention is also paid to future development plans, both in scientific and educational areas.
Among the key scientific achievements are the studies with high scientometric indicators, such as “Observational signs of limited flare area variation and peak flare temperature estimations in main-sequence flaring star” Bicz, K.,et all 2025, “Red Giant Component of the Recurrent Nova T Coronae Borealis” Zamanov, R., et all 2024, etc. T CrB is actively observed, which is about to explode in the near future (Yordanova, G., et all 2025).
The addition of the planetarium equipment brought increased interest and rich opportunities not only for popularizing science among the general public, but also provided a new tool for conducting training, both with schoolchildren and with students.
A significant part of the research is aimed at the educational capabilities of the observatory and its surrounding environment. The many interesting natural sites and cultural monuments are a prerequisite for its use in STEAM training for students of different age groups.
Among the team's future plans is to participate in asteroid (space junk) observation campaigns and the NEO (Near Earth Objects) program.
The main tasks of the observatory are to give citizens the opportunity to observe interesting astronomical phenomena - eclipses, meteor showers, occultations, etc. Traditionally, especially popular events are held in an open-door format, where interested parties do not pay a fee. Events of this kind include popular lectures, the opportunity to get acquainted with the technical equipment and the museum exhibition, and observation of the relevant phenomena with a telescope. This type of event brings together many citizens and guests of Shumen.