International Institution for the History of Surveying
and Measurement
A Permanent Institution within the International Federation of
Surveyors (FIG)
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Tartu Observatory Unveiled World Heritage Plaque
Tartu, Estonia, 18 June 2006
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© Andres Tennus/The University of Tartu. |
People and the Observatory during the celebration on
June 18, 2006 |
On Sunday, June 18, 2006, a UNESCO World Heritage plaque was unveiled at
Tartu Observatory on Toome Hill, confirming the inscription of the
Observatory in the World Heritage List as part of the Struve Geodetic Arc.
The plaque was unveiled by UT Rector Professor Jaak Aaviksoo, the
Mayor of Tartu Ms Laine Jänes, and the Director General of Estonian
Land Board Mr Kalev Kangur. The ceremony included an explanation of
the significance of the Arc and a demonstration of historical as well as
modern surveying equipment. The public had access to the Observatory and the
Observatory's planetarium was operating.
The event continued at the UT History Museum, where Dr Tõnu Viik
and Dr Jüri Randjärv gave presentations on Struve as the scientist
who enabled us to get a more precise idea of the shape of the Earth and on
his Geodetic Arc. These were followed by a discussion of how historical
heritage can serve the future.
The UT Observatory, completed in 1810 is a significant monument in the
history of world geodesy and astronomy. The famed building, however, is now
in need of repair. The strategic plan for the development of the Toome Hill
area, drawn up in collaboration between the City and the University of Tartu
foresees the restoration of the Observatory as a museum.
Reet Mägi
Director of the University of Tartu History Museum
Tel. +372 737 5675, +372 504 0826
© Andres Tennus/The University of Tartu.
Prof. Jaak Aaviksoo, Rector of the University of Tartu speaking
at the celebration on June 18, 2006
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© Andres Tennus/The University of Tartu.
The Observatory of Tartu and the UNESCO World Heritage plaque on June
18, 2006 |
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