The Zimyonki Radio Astronomy Station is a multi-purpose research facility of the Scientific Research Radiophysical Institute (NIRFI), founded in 1949 and located 29–30 km from Nizhny Novgorod in the Kstovsky District of Nizhny Novgorod Region.[2] The station remains operational today, although a prolonged period of underfunding resulted in the loss of a significant portion of its unique equipment.[1]
History and Profile
The facility was established in 1949 as an out-of-town research site for NIRFI.[2] The station has conducted patrol radio observations of solar activity, studies of the Earth's ionosphere and atmosphere, as well as work in seismology and ecology.[2] At various times, observations were also carried out as part of searches for signals of extraterrestrial origin.[1]
Equipment
The facility hosts a series of parabolic radio telescopes and a receiving station for Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) as part of an international VLBI network.[2] In addition, the facility is equipped with teaching laboratories for students.[2] During the period of neglect, some of the radio telescopes were dismantled for scrap metal; their remains lay scattered across the station grounds.[1]
Location and Access
The station is located near the village of Zimyonki, reached from Nizhny Novgorod by a road passing through the selo of Veliky Vrag. Part of the route runs along a small serpentine road above the Volga.[1] Residential housing for station staff was formerly located on the site.[1] At various times access to the facility was unrestricted; later the perimeter was fenced with barbed wire and guards were posted.[1]
Sources
- travelblognn.ru — In Search of UFOs — A Journey to the Zimyonki Radio Astronomy Station — A Blog about the Best Places in Nizhny Novgorod and Nizhny Novgorod Region
- nirfi.unn.ru — The Zimyonki Test Site — Scientific Research Radiophysical Institute