Ulugbek’s observatory, Samarkand
 Among historical monuments of Samarkand
observatory takes particular place, constructed by
Ulugbek in 1428-1429 on one of the hills on height,
at the bottom of Chupanat altitude. By Babur’s
words, which saw the observatory, it was three-storied
covered with beautiful glazed titles building of round
form 46 meters in diameter, 30 meters in height. In
the main hall huge instrument was placed for observations
of Moon, Sun, and other stars of the vault of heaven.
Observatory was unique construction for its time.
The basis of observatory was giant goniometer (vertical
circle), radius of circle was equal 40,212 meters,
and the length of arc was 63 meters. The main instrument-sextant-was
oriented with amazing exactness by line of meridian
from south to north. Test establishments of modern
astronomers Kastalsk and Sheglov are the evidence
to it. Sizes of the main instrument, lucky construction,
scientific knowledge of Ulugbek and his companion-in-arms
provided amazing exactness of astronomic observations.
Contribution of creation astronomic catalog-“Zidji-Gurgani”,
known as “Star tables of Ulugbek” belongs
to Ulugbek. Whole galaxy of great scientists was working
on them for a long period and finished them to 1437.
“Everything that observation and experience
had known about planets movement, is delivered for
keeping to this book”-Ulugbek was writing. In
this work basics of astronomic observations are summarized,
made by east scientists.
Exactness of observations of Samarkand astronomers
is amazing because they were made without help of
optical instruments, with unaided eye. Astronomic
tables contents coordinates of 1018 stars. His catalog
did not lose its value in our days. With amazing exactness
made the calculation of the length of star year, which
by Ulugbek’s calculation is equal to 365 days
6 hours 10 minutes 8 seconds. Actual length of star
year by modern data is 365 days 6 hours 9 minutes
9,6 seconds. Thus the mistake is only less that one
minute.
After Ulugbek’s death observatory was destroyed
and robbed by religious fans. Only in 1908 archaeologist
Vyatkin found first document where location of observatory
was mentioned. Unfortunately only underground part
of sextant and basis of the building were saved. By
found documents scientists made the model of the observatory.
Remarkable scientific center was destroyed, valuable
library was plundered, and scientists were chased
away. Sheikhs announced the hill as the place of grave
“Forty virgins” and built here mausoleum,
place of pilgrimage, bringing big profits to hypocrites.
Like this Samarkand priesthood was trying to suppress
in people member of torch of science-Ulugbek and his
observatory.
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