About the Maidanak Foundation


"It is clear that the poor economical situation of the post-soviet period does not permit to maintain the Maidanak Observatory at the former level.  However, thanks to the enthusiasm of astronomers from the Sternberg Astronomical Institute (Moscow), Astronomical Observatory of Kharkov University (Ukraine), and from the Ulugh Beg Astronomical Institute (Tashkent), the Maidanak Observatory, and its main instrument, the 1.5-meter telescope, are still alive. The main, and in fact almost single source of funds, which permits the astronomers to cover the travel expenses, to make the observations, and to maintain the instruments, are various grants."

                                                                   Prof. Vladimir Dudinov
                                                                    
                                                                    
 

Introduction

    At the Maidanak Observatory on Mt. Maidanak in Uzbekistan, teams of dedicated astronomers, mainly from Uzbekistan, Ukraine, and Russia are engaged in a range of optical observations with a 1.5-meter telescope. Due to its unique location with very good atmospheric conditions, it is especially well suited for high-resolution imaging and thus has a great potential for world class research. To build an alternative site today from the ground up with similar capabilities as the Maidanak Observatory, will cost millions of dollars. The Maidanak Observatory can with relatively small investments reach high international standards. This is the challenge that has inspired us to create the Maidanak Foundation, here in Scandinavia.
    After the collapse of the Soviet Union, even the most basic funding is lacking for the Maidanak Observatory, now belonging to the Ulugh Beg Astronomical Institute in Tashkent. The scientists have been forced to cut their budgets to a minimum in order to survive in the generally depressed economy of the region - most of them with huge personal sacrifices - some even living on salaries as low as US$ 10-20 a month. The living and working conditions at the observatory are quite difficult.  The foundation will address this issue once the scientific equipment has been upgraded. The researchers working in the field have themselves chosen to put scientific work before their personal comfort.
    The Maidanak Foundation aims to support the teams currently running and maintaining the Maidanak Observatory. The main problem today is the lack of some  key electronic equipment. The site requires a scientific grade Liquid Nitrogen cooled CCD camera of comparable quality to that used by western observatories. While this is the most immediate concern, the foundation also aims to help improve other factors necessary for the smooth running of an astronomical observatory, such as computer systems, power backup, and reliable data storage systems. The Maidanak Foundation will also support the institutes directly involved with the operation and image processing.  In addition to the technical issues, the foundation will work to establish and maintain international collaborations.

To accumulate the necessary funds, the Maidanak Foundation needs the help of corporate and private contributors.

 Click for a detailed description of the equimpment and other expenditures for which funding is needed

Statutes

§1  Denomination, Objectives, and Domicile

1. The foundation’s name is MAIDANAK FOUNDATION (referred to as the foundation)

2. The foundation is an independent non-government organization without religious or political affiliations, operated on a voluntary basis without the aim of profit.

3. The objectives of the foundation are to:

Other worthy astronomy related projects located in economically depressed regions, but with a great scientific potential, may be considered in the future.

4. The legal domicile of the foundation is Bergen, Norway.

§2  Organizational Structure

5. The decision making body of the foundation shall be its board of trustees (referred to as the board), which will consist of 3 or 5 persons, each chosen for a four year term. The board must always have an odd number of members.

The board can choose a chairperson and a treasurer from its own ranks.

Resolutions are passed  by an ordinary majority vote among the board members present at a board meeting.   The board can adopt a new resolution when at least half the board members are present.  Board meetings can be held via telephone or Internet.

The Board may fill any vacancy occurring among its members.  In the event a board member actively undermines the stated objectives of the foundation, or is otherwise unfit to hold a board seat, he/she may be excluded from the board with a 2 out of 3 or 4 out of 5 vote majority.   If the board is unable to fill its vacancies, shall new board members be appointed by the Hordaland County Cover’s (Fylkesmann) Office, in consultation with the department head of the Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics at the University of Oslo.

The board shall produce audited accounts and an annual report by March 31st, of each year.

The board represents the foundation in external affairs.  Documents are signed jointly by the chairperson and one other board member, or two board members chosen by the board.

6. Amendments to these statutes may be made by a 2 out of 3 or 4 out of 5 vote majority among the board members.  Proposals for such amendments must appear in written form, accompanying the announcement of the annual board conference. This announcement must be issued at least one month prior to the annual board conference.

7. The foundation’s capital and property will be transferred to related causes in the event the foundation is dissolved, following the rules expressed in article 6 above.  The choice of such causes shall be made by the Hordaland County Cover’s (Fylkesmann) Office, as in article 5.

8. The board may set up working groups to which it can delegate certain tasks on behalf of the foundation.

9. In addition to these points, the current Norwegian law pertaining to foundations will be followed, when not in conflict with these statutes.

§3 Finances

10. The foundation’s stating capital is 200.000,- Norwegian Kroner.

11. The foundation’s funds shall be managed in a secure, conservative fashion.  Funds shall be placed in cash, or interest earning bearing investment vehicles of high quality, primarily denominated in stable currencies such as US dollars or Euro.  Further guidelines for investment shall be determined by the board.

12. The foundation shall strive to keep its own operating costs to a minimum.  There shall be no reimbursements or salaries issued to Board or working group members.  Though the participants are geographically spread, foundation money shall not be used for travelling to board or committee meetings.  Instead, electronic media such as telephone and e-mail should be the main method of communication internally.  (see article 5)

13. The accounts of the foundation shall be examined by a publicly accredited auditor each calendar year.

14. Expenses incurred in connection with accounting and legal representation will be provided upon approval of the board.

§4 Final Clauses

15. These Statutes enter into force on January 15th, 1999.

16. The present statutes are being published in Norwegian and English versions.  In case of doubt, the Norwegian version is the only authority.
 

Members of the board

Dr. Jens Hjorth
Henrik E. Nilsen - Chairman
Prof. Rolf Stabell