Planetary research in Kazakhstan

The history of planetary research in Kazakhstan is recounted from the 1940s up to now. The beginning of this research effort may be traced back to two renown astrophysicists, V.G. Fessenkov and G.A. Tikhov. For the most part, observational and theoretical programs have been directed towards the stud y of the major planets, especially Jupiter and Saturn. Occasionally, observ ations of Mars, the Moon, and of various phenomena of interest in the solar system have also been carried out. During the last few decades, planetary research-as well as research on many other astrophysical topics-has been ac tively developed at the Fessenkov Astrophysical Institute. (C) 2001 Publish ed by Elsevier Science Ltd.