Armenian astronomers launch virtual observatory server.

The National Academy of Science’s Institute for Information Technologies and Automization has launched a database of virtual observatory (VO) for conducting spectral analyses of celestial bodies and synthesizing astronomic catalogues.

According to a press release by the Armenian Astronomical Society, it is already four years that the Institute has been collaborating with the Byurakan Observatory (which launched the project back in 2005).

Like all other national VOs, the Armenian virtual observatory too, is expected to promote cooperation between astronomers and computer software specialists in an attempt to create a favorable environment for effective research.

The International Virtual Observatory Alliance (IVOA), which came into existence in 2002, currently conducts a joint studies of 17 countries’ VO projects. The Armenian Virtual Observatory joined the alliance in 2005.

The Armenian VO currently operates new software for synthesizing catalogues which, with its principles and precision, tops other similar programs practiced worldwide. It now serves as a basis for conducting research (particularly by the Byurakan based scientific group).
The software architecture enables users to dynamically increase the data saved and add new images obtained after every observation. There are no strict volume restrictions for the new data as the system has been equipped with a huge memory element connected to the server via a high speed device.

The synthesis software has been uploaded on the virtual observatory’s website to enable astrologists online access to the new system.
UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register recently included the Armenian virtual observatory in its list.