ACTIVITIES OF THE YAKUTSK GEOPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY (COSMIC RAY LABORATORY) IN 1928-1962
The relevance of the research topic is related to the generalization of the Soviet experience in formation and development of cosmophysical research in Yakutia over several decades, from the activities of weather stations to the creation of the Institute of Cosmophysical Research and Aeronomy of the Yakutsk Branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences. The formation of the network of 23 stationary meteorological and upper-air stations and the Geophysical Observatory is disclosed. The first stage of the activity of these institutions was identified as of high practical importance in the development of aviation, gold mining industry on Aldan and Amur-Yakutsk highway construction. The second stage was characteristic by innovative developments of Yakut scientists as semiconductor devices for artificial Earth satellites, cameras for shooting auroras, and an ionization camera for continuous registration of cosmic rays, that received worldwide recognition. Study of radiation situation in near-Earth space during solar flares and high-altitude thermonuclear explosions testified, that Yakutia contributed to increasing of the country's defense capability. Particular attention is paid to the activities of the station on Bolshoy Lyakhovsky Island of the Novosibirsk Islands, which served Arctic aviation flights and coastal navigation along the Northern Sea Route.