Purple Mountain Observatory in Nanjing

Purple Mountain Observatory in Nanjing

The Purple Mountain Observatory in Nanjing is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Purple Mountain Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences is one of the most renowned observatories in China. Built in September 1934, it sits atop the third peak of Purple Mountain within the Zhongshan Mausoleum Scenic Area. It was China’s first independently built comprehensive modern astronomical research institution. Its predecessor was the Astronomy Research Institute of the National Central Research Institute, founded in February 1928, and it has a history of 68 years.

The establishment of the Purple Mountain Observatory marked the beginning of modern astronomical research in China. Many branches of modern astronomy and observatories in China originated, were formed, and expanded here. Due to its unique contributions to the establishment and development of China's astronomical endeavors, it is hailed as the "Cradle of Modern Chinese Astronomy."

Over the decades, it has successfully accomplished a series of important tasks, such as formulating the orbit prediction plan for China’s first artificial satellite. Notably, in July 1994, it predicted the collision between Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 and Jupiter, earning praise from the international astronomical community.

The memorial archway features a three-bay, four-pillar structure made of rough stone, topped with blue glazed tiles, and spans over a steep stone staircase. The buildings are connected by stairways and plank walkways, with traditional Chinese railings on each platform. The building foundations and outer walls are constructed of rough stone, giving a simple, solid appearance that blends seamlessly with the mountain terrain.

Throughout its development, the Purple Mountain Observatory has received strong support from the Party and the state. The core leaders of the three generations of the Party and the state—Mao Zedong, -, and ——have all visited the observatory. In the 21st century, the people of the “Purple Observatory” will follow the inscription by General Secretary —— during his visit: “Develop the astronomical cause, scale the heights of science,” and will continue to innovate and forge ahead.

When the Purple Mountain Observatory was first built in 1934, it had only a few observation instruments, such as a 60-centimeter reflecting telescope and a 20-centimeter equatorial mount. After more than half a century of development, especially after the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the observatory now possesses observation and experimental equipment for solar, planetary, stellar, radio, and artificial satellite studies. Notably, its 13.7-meter radio telescope is currently China’s only and largest millimeter-wave telescope. Following a major reorganization in 1997, the original 14 research rooms were restructured into two laboratories, two research departments, and two centers. The Purple Mountain Observatory is primarily engaged in fundamental astronomical research while also serving the national economic development. It holds authoritative positions domestically in ephemeris calculation, the study of asteroids and comets, precise orbit determination of artificial satellites, and related applications. It leads the country in research on star formation, early stellar evolution, and internal structure, and has significant advantages in millimeter-wave radio astronomy and space-based astronomical exploration. The main research directions of the observatory include: millimeter-wave radio astronomy and technology, closely related to interstellar molecular clouds and star formation; satellite dynamics and its applications; cutting-edge astrophysics and fundamental theoretical research.

Through long-term observation and research, the Purple Mountain Observatory has discovered over 30 new variable stars and more than 10 Hα emission-line stars in dark regions. It has also discovered a large number of asteroids, 100 of which have been officially numbered and named by the International Astronomical Union. Additionally, it has found four new comets, among which the “Ge-Wang Comet” was the first comet named after its Chinese discoverers. In applied research, the observatory successfully formulated the orbit prediction plan for China’s first artificial satellite, determined the coordinates of Yongxing Island in the Xisha Islands, conducted satellite geodesy, calculated the initial orbit of the AsiaSat-1 communications satellite, and achieved international advanced levels in the 1994 comet-Jupiter collision forecast. It also successfully located a satellite lost due to engineering failure. Publications such as the “Chinese Astronomical Ephemeris,” “Nautical Almanac,” and “Surveying and Mapping Calendar” not only meet the needs of domestic astronomical, maritime, surveying, and aviation sectors but are also widely used in Southeast Asian countries. Moreover, it provides services such as relative sunspot numbers and solar activity forecasts for aerospace, communications, meteorology, and hydrology sectors.

The Purple Mountain Observatory has published over a thousand academic papers in domestic and international journals and released approximately 80 books. Since 1978, it has won 11 awards at the National Science Conference, 8 National Natural Science Awards, 67 Chinese Academy of Sciences Achievement Awards, and 15 provincial science and technology achievement awards. During the “Eighth Five-Year Plan” period, it undertook 2 key projects and 2 key projects of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. During the “Ninth Five-Year Plan” period, approved major and key projects included one National Climbing Program project, two major national defense projects, and seven other major and key projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Looking toward the 21st century, the development goals of the Purple Mountain Observatory are focused on astrophysical research and fundamental celestial mechanics applications. Major research areas include the study of interstellar molecular clouds and star formation along with related observational technologies, solar activity and high-energy solar physics, cutting-edge astrophysics and fundamental theory, and the celestial mechanics of natural and artificial bodies in the solar system. The observatory aims to innovate and become China’s base for millimeter-wave, submillimeter-wave, and infrared astronomical observations, an applied celestial mechanics observation research base, and a center for satellite dynamics research. It will also be a hub for the research and development of millimeter-wave and submillimeter-wave astronomical technologies, infrared detection technologies, and space-based astronomical detection technologies. Leveraging its traditional comprehensive strengths and emerging interdisciplinary advantages, it will provide high-level services for national economic and defense needs as well as social progress. The goal is to establish the Purple Mountain Observatory as a top-tier base for fundamental astronomical research, a center for high-level talent cultivation, and a globally recognized astronomical research center.

Address: No. 2 Beijing West Road, Gulou District, Nanjing

Type: Science Museum

Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 hours

Phone: 025－83332000

Official Website: http://www.pmo.ac.cn/

Opening Hours:

Under maintenance, expected to reopen by the end of August.

Ticket Information:

Gate Price: 15.0 RMB

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units