**Ukraine’s Main Astronomical Observatory Damaged in Kyiv Shelling**
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has taken a toll on the country’s scientific community. The Main Astronomical Observatory of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine was damaged during the shelling of Kyiv on June 23, 2025.
According to astrophysicist Daria Dobrycheva, who works at the observatory, the blast wave from the attack shattered windows in the main building. The doors of a nearby building that houses a horizontal solar telescope, used to study the Sun’s spectrum and atmosphere, were also damaged. The damage was caused by shrapnel from a Shahed-type drone, which is designed to cause maximum destruction and scatter at high speeds after detonation.
Luckily, preliminary information suggests that none of the observatory’s staff were injured in the attack. The scientific equipment at the observatory remains intact, but an inventory and damage assessment are currently underway to determine the full extent of the damage.
**A Devastating Night in Kyiv**
The shelling of Kyiv on June 23 was a tragic event that resulted in the loss of 9 lives. The attack had a significant impact on the city and its people, and the damage to the Main Astronomical Observatory is just one example of the far-reaching consequences.
**Scientific Community Affected**
The conflict in Ukraine has already taken a toll on the country’s scientific community. The Main Astronomical Observatory is an important institution that contributes significantly to Ukraine’s scientific research. The damage to the observatory highlights the need for international support and cooperation to protect Ukraine’s scientific heritage during these difficult times.
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