Serbia's star is rising
The Astronomical Observatory of Belgrade (AOB), established over a century ago, is one of Serbia's oldest scientific institutes. With particular strength in theoretical studies of astronomical objects such as galaxies, binary stars, active galactic nuclei and minor planets as well as 24 principal scientists participating in numerous national research projects, the AOB is a distinguished centre for astronomical sciences. To ensure its participation in international research initiatives, the AOB sought to improve existing research capacities with new personnel and equipment. The EU-funded project BELISSIMA (Belgrade initiative for space science, instrumentation and modelling in astrophysics) was also initiated to forge links with other research institutes across Europe. During the project's six-year lifetime, three experienced overseas researchers were recruited, and many AOB scientists underwent training in new observational techniques. In addition, the groundwork was laid for purchase of the robotic Milankovic telescope equipped with state-of-the-art optical instruments and electronic technology. With a main mirror diameter of 1.40 m, the telescope – named after the famous Serbian astronomer Milutin Milankovic – was installed on Vidojevica mountain in 2016. Before BELISSIMA, AOB staff was working on a 60-cm telescope purchased with funds from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia (MESTDRS). The BELISSIMA project was initially due for completion in June 2015, but a one-year extension was granted until purchase of the new robotic telescope was finalised. The mounting of the Milankovic telescope is expected to open the way for future membership in the Optical Infrared Coordination Network for Astronomy (OPTICON), an EU-funded consortium of observatories and organisations supporting their operation. Membership in OPTICON will facilitate participation in cutting-edge astronomical research in partnership with the most competitive scientific centres in Europe. Moreover, establishing sustainable partnerships with centres of astronomical science excellence is expected to bolster the AOB's visibility and reinstall Serbia as a country with competitive astronomical observatories. BELISSIMA accomplishments are presented in a series of six videos available online.
Keywords
Astronomical research, Astronomical Observatory of Belgrade, Serbia, BELISSIMA, observational techniques, Milankovic telescope
