Foreign scientists continue cooperating with Russia's largest astrophysical observatory - director

CHERKESSK. March 4 (Interfax) - The academic communities of various countries have decided against ending cooperation with the largest specialized astrophysical observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) in Karachayevo-Cherkessia, Observatory Director Gennady Valyavin told Interfax.

"As of this day, we have no preliminary or formal notices of withdrawal from joint research projects. I do not think there will be massive refusals from cooperation with Russia in the field of science. What is more, science may serve as a channel of communication," Valyavin said.

The observatory cooperates with scientists from about 20 countries, he said.

As for the procurement of equipment, Valyavin said he was sure that sanctions would promote the substitution of imports.

"I believe problems will be solved within three to four years," he said.

Founded in 1966, the observatory in the Zelenchuksky district of Karachayevo-Cherkessia is the largest Russian ground-based astronomic center observing the universe.

It operates the BTA (big alt-azimuth telescope) optical telescope with a main mirror diameter of six meters and the RATAN-600 radio telescope with a ring multi-element antenna with a diameter of 600 meters.