Physics in the Republic of Armenia The republic of Armenia is
located in the mountainous region of the Caucasus. In 1991, the
people of Armenia were amongst the first to take advantage of
the Gorbachev’s reform movements to become an independent entity
separate from the Soviet Union. The country is home to
approximately 3 million Armenians with 99% literacy. Scientists
in Armenia had distinguished themselves worldwide in their
scientific accomplishments. Some of the most noteworthy
facilities and institutions include the Observatory at Byurakan,
the cosmic ray observatory on Mount Aragats (9000 ft. above sea
level), the Yerevan Physics Institute, and the Armenian National
Academy of Sciences. Victor Ambartsumian who was also one of the
founding members of the Armenian National Academies founded the
Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory. Ambartsumian was the first
to propose the existence of active galactic nuclei (AGN) 1. He
was an elected or honorary member of 28 science academies around
the world including the