Meeting Venue

The IV Regional Astronomical Summer School (4RASS) will be held in the Main Building of the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO). Please, find the guiding map of the Observatory at the following link: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1i_J-3TCEEYGiU0XEufTGm0wVOLnUb_hI&ll=40.33073221341067%2C44.26907124999999&z=17.

Airport Transfer

Upon arrival, our driver will meet you at the Yerevan Zvartnots airport and transfer you to your hotel. Please look for a sign with a “4RASS” note. Please send us a copy of your electronic ticket. We recommend arriving a day before the event begins. The more detailed information will be given later.

Dining

Meals will be provided at the Observatory Canteen. If you have any dietary requirements or allergies, please let us know in advance.

Excursions

We are planning to have one-day excursions. The more detailed information will be given later.

Time zone

Armenia is in the UTC+4:00 time zone. Please note the time difference with Central European Time: +2 hours during summer and +3 hours during winter.

Climate

Armenia is mostly a sunny country with hot summers and cold winters. The climate ranges from dry subtropical to cold weather. The average temperature in the hottest months (July and August) is +36°C (max) and +17°C (min), while in the coldest month (January) it’s -2°C (max) and -9°C (min). During the 4RASS, we expect pleasant days. The average daytime temperature will fluctuate between +22 and +26°C, and the nighttime temperature from +11 to +15°C. You may anticipate dry (an average 45% humidity is expected) and warm weather. Rare light rains may be expected. Please bring light jackets for evenings, as the daily temperature amplitude is large.

Local Currency

The local currency is Armenian Dram (AMD). All payments (hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops, transport, etc.) are accepted only in AMD. Paper notes are issued in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 AMD. Coins are used for amounts less than 1,000 AMD (10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500). Check the exchange rates at: https://www.rate.am/en/armenian-dram-exchange-rates/banks.

You may easily change EUR, USD, GBP, RUB, and other international currencies to Armenian Drams in any bank or exchange office. ATM machines in Yerevan function in accordance with the Plus Global Access Network, Visa, and MasterCard systems. There is also an ATM machine in Byurakan, approximately 1.5 km away from the Observatory to the uphill direction (Byurakan Municipality building).

Public transport

You can get to the city of Yerevan from Byurakan by public transport (400 AMD) at fixed hours. The last bus from Byurakan departs at 18:30. If needed, we can order you a taxi to the center of Yerevan for approximately 6000 AMD. Be sure to verify the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Electric plugs

Electric plugs in Armenia are like European ones (with two round pins). Both thin (Southern Europe) and thick (Northern Europe) ones are in use. Standard voltage in Armenia is 220V (AC) and the frequency is 50Hz.