The original Vilnius University
Observatory, founded in 1753,
is the fourth oldest in Europe
A recently discovered six kilometere wide asteroid has been named "Ažusienis", after the noted Lithuanian astronomer
Algimanats Ažusienis. It joins five other asteroids bearing Lithuanian names - Čiurlionis, Lietuva, Vilnius, Kaunas and
Straižys. In all, Lithuanian astronomers have now discovered some 120 asteroids. Two of them, the asteroids Ažusienis and
Straižys, the astronomers have named after their teachers.
The modern Vilnius University Observatory at Molėtai, in the
picturesque Lake District of North Eastern Lithuania
The Original Astronomical Observatory of the Vilnius University was founded in 1753, is the fourth oldest in Europe.
The modern Vilnius Unversity Observatory is situated near Molėtai, in the beautiful Lakes District of North
Eastern Lithuania.
Further information: www.delfi.lt 8/06/06
Photos: courtesy Vilnius City Tourism Department &
Arhus University, Denmark (http://whome.phys.au.dk/~tbn/Litauen.htm)
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