The paved road to the Special Astrophysical Observatory of Russia

The Special Astrophysical Observatory is an observatory at an elevation of 2.098m (6,883ft) above the sea level located in the Zelenchuksky District on the north side of the Caucasus Mountains in southern Russia.

Special Astrophysical Observatory
Special Astrophysical Observatory

The road to the observatory is called R285. It’s asphalted but pretty steep. It’s located near Mt.Pastukhova. The observatory hosts the BTA-6 telescope, the largest optical telescope in Eurasia. It was built in 1976.
Pic: Евгений М