An International Conference “Active Galaxies and Quasars” will take place on Sep 9-10, 2019 in the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO) dedicated to M. A. Arakelian’s 90th anniversary. Prof. Arakelian (1929-1983) was one of the prominent Byurakan astronomers, the author of famous Arakelian galaxies, which at present are target for many-sided studies with ground-based and space telescopes. Arakelian is known as a distinguished specialist in the theoretical astrophysics and extragalactic astronomy.

Arakelian has compiled and published the Catalog of 621 high-surface-brightness galaxies, has proved the extragalactic origin of quasars, has determined the space density of extragalactic objects, has proposed several methods for study of properties of extragalactic objects, has made a comparative analysis of properties of different types of galaxies, and with his Russian colleagues spectroscopically has observed and studied some 800 faint galaxies and quasars. Arakelian galaxies have been observed in many observatories in the USA, UK, USSR, and elsewhere in optical wavelengths, radio and X-rays. Especially interesting objects are Akn 120 and Akn 564 (both are strongly variable AGN in X-ray and optical wavelengths; Akn 564 is a Narrow-Line Seyfert 1 galaxy that strongly changes the intensities of its emission lines).

BAO is one of the main observational centers of the former Soviet Union and is an important observatory with modern facilities in the region. It was founded in 1946 by one of the greatest astrophysicists of the 20^th century V. A. Ambartsumian and is well known for its large spectroscopic surveys: First and Second Byurakan Surveys (FBS and SBS), undertaken by B. E. Markarian and his colleagues. BAO hosts a number of medium-size optical telescopes, the most important being the 2.6m classical telescope and 1m Schmidt telescope. BAO holds the Digitized First Byurakan Survey (DFBS, or the Digitized Markarian survey), containing low-dispersion spectra of ~20,000,000 objects, largest number in the world, which is the basis of the Armenian Virtual Observatory (ArVO), a member of the International Virtual Observatory Alliance (IVOA).

The registration fee is AMD 50,000 (equivalent to EUR 90), which includes Welcome Reception, all local transportation expenses, participants’ kits, coffee breaks, and organizational expenses. We offer a number of travel grants for the participants from countries with limited travel funds. English is the working language of the conference.