History and Modernity in Scientific Interaction between Kazan University and SAI MSU

This article is dedicated to the historical scientific collaboration between Kazan University and the Sternberg Astronomical Institute of Lomonosov Moscow State University (SAI MSU). It can be stated that close interaction has taken place from the very inception of SAI MSU to the present day. There have been numerous joint participations in historically significant scientific projects, and it is important to note that this collaboration played a crucial role in the inclusion of the V.P. Engelhardt Astronomical Observatory (EAO) in the UNESCO World Heritage list. D.Ya. Martynov played a significant role in strengthening the ties between Kazan and SAI MSU. He served as Rector of Kazan University and Director of the Engelhardt Astronomical Observatory (EAO), and later became Director of SAI MSU. Nevertheless, his close collaboration with Kazan continued throughout his life. Notably, a telescope at the Crimean station of SAI MSU was named after V.P. Engelhardt, symbolizing the enduring connection. A memorial plaque dedicated to D.Ya. Martynov was unveiled at the EAO during the UNESCO International Conference held in 2009. It is also worth recalling the high-altitude expedition conducted by staff of the V.P. Engelhardt Astronomical Observatory to the SAI MSU station in Alma-Ata, which took place from 1963 to 1977 at an elevation of 3500 m. Close collaboration between EAO and SAI MSU extended across multiple fields, including astrometry, celestial mechanics, astrophysics, and stellar astronomy. This partnership resulted in numerous joint publications, including coauthored articles and books—for example, the monograph ‘‘Fundamental Astronomy’’ by V.V. Podobed and A.I. Nefedyeva. In recent years, joint projects have also been carried out in the field of lunar studies, involving V.V. Shevchenko and A.A. Berezhnoy. Graduates of the Department of Astronomy and Geodesy of Kazan University have worked at SAI MSU, including such notable figures as E.A. Dibai and Yu.I. Glushkov. Currently, B.P. Kondratyev continues this tradition as a member of the SAI MSU staff. It is particularly noteworthy that many astronomy students from Kazan University completed their research internships at SAI MSU stations, while young postgraduate researchers defended their Candidate of Science dissertations before the Institute’s Dissertation Council.