History

The research team, which carries out studies in the fields of astronomy, astrophysics and space sciences, which started to form in 2016 at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Department of Physics Department of Astrophysics, started the studies with the idea of ​​establishing an Observatory that will provide data production in observational astronomy and astrophysics research as of 2000. The efforts to first establish an "Astrophysics Research Center (ÇAAM)" within the university and then to establish the Ulupınar Observatory yielded results in about two years, and the research unit, which quickly became one of the leading observatories in our country with its strengthened young research staff, began to operate.

The center was established by the regulation published in the Official Gazette No. 24674 on 17 February 2002. Ulupınar Observatory, which is the Laboratory of the Center, after test observations in different locations (Uludağ, different locations of Kaz Mountains), near Ulupınar Village, approximately 15 km from Çanakkale center and approximately 8 km from ÇOMÜ Terzioğlu Campus, It was established at an altitude of approximately 410m above sea level.  The location's number of clear nights, low light pollution and low humidity due to stable wind currents, as well as ease of transportation and infrastructure access, were important factors in site selection. Considering these conditions,the exact location of Ulupınar Observatory was determined in November 2000, the foundation of the Observatory was laid in April 2001, trial observations were started in the Observatory, which was completed in September 2001, and "Ulupınar Observatory" was officially opened after a scientific evaluation meeting on May 19, 2002. Today, it serves researchers, astronomy and space science enthusiasts with four telescope buildings and a service building on its 25-decare land.

Since 2002, ÇAAM and Ulupınar Observatory have become one of the most important units of the University, open to the outside world, producing social benefits and carrying out important scientific research, with effective scientific research, scientific collaborations and, at least as important, science-society activities. Thousands of visitors have been hosted to date,
It has become one of the leading research centers and observatories in our country in the fields of astronomy, astrophysics and space sciences, where many students and teachers have been trained, important discoveries have been made, and the talents and outputs it possesses and produce.