YEREVAN. – Great scientist Victor Hambartsumyan raised astronomical science in Armenia to the current level, Director of the Byurakan Observatory Hayk Harutyunyan said.

“Both the Armenian and foreign scientists consider Hambartsumyan one of the greatest astronomers of the 20th century. Without him Armenia would not have such a high level of astronomical science, as it has now,” he said.

Hambartsumyan represented a rare fusion of Soviet Union and Armenia patriot, the scientist added.

“We need to view him not only as a scientist, but also as a prominent public figure,” he concluded.

The great Soviet-Armenian scientist was born 105 years ago.