UL Institute of Astronomy

The Institute of Astronomy of the University of Latvia (UL) is a scientific institute of the UL, which conducts fundamental and applied research in astronomy and related areas, as well as research about Earth's artificial satellites or laser-ranged satellite measurement and related technologies at international level.

The institute has two observatories – the Astrophysical Observatory in Baldone, Riekstukalns, and the Geodynamical Fundamental Station in Riga, located on the territory of the UL Botanical Garden. There is a Schmidt telescope with 1 m diameter primary mirror in the Baldone Astrophysical Observatory and LS-105 telescope with 1 m diameter primary mirror in the Geodynamical Observatory. The observatories are equipped with modern facilities and successfully participate in the implementation of the international projects. The Fundamental station carries out laser-ranged measurements on the territory of the UL Botanical Garden on the regular basis, and is a member of the International Laser Ranging Service (ILRS). Several asteroids discovered at the Baldone Astrophysical Observatory have been given Latvian-related names.