The symbiotic object BX Mon experiences regular brightness fluctuations (ΔV ~3m), caused by increased accretion during periastron passage During the maximum brightness in 2019 a rapid weakening of the emission spectrum of the object was observed. At present, only the HI and FeII absorption lines are observed in the spectrum; this has happened for the first time in the history of observations of this object. Most likely, the next increase in accretion led to significant changes in the stellar system, in particular, to the destruction of the accretion disk.

Looking back on the passing year, we are proud to note that in 2021 FAI has participated in two competitions for program-targeted funding, and in both cases our programs were approved. The first program, funded by the Science Committe (MES RK) is dedicated to the development of the national virtual observatory: vo.fai.kz. The second program, funded by the Aerospace Committee (MDDIAI RK) and carried out in collaboration with the Institute of Ionosphere, is dedicated to the develpment of the national system for space situational awareness: ssa.fai.kz.

Fesenkov Astrophysical Institute signed an agreement on joint scientific, technical and academic activities with Pulkovo Observatory (St. Petersburg). Within the framework of the agreement, in the next few months at the observation site of the Academician Omarov Assy-Turgen observatory the Meade LX-200 telescope, which arrived from St. Petersburg will begin to operate to study dynamic processes in active galactic nuclei.

In the night of October 14, 2021 in T.B. Omarov Assy-Turgen observatory by means of AZT-20 telescope with back-illuminated CMOS-camera "Kepler" excellent values of background upper-limit (UL ~ 24.8 mag) was registered with astronomical seeing ~ 1.7" during an optical afterglow observation of gamma-ray burst GRB 210912A (r'-filter, 92 snapshots with 60s. exposure). It demonstrates high stability and transparency of atmosphere in the Observatory.

This week, during September 6-8, FAI participated in the online workshop on stellar dynamics and active galactic nuclei, organized by the Volkswagen Trilateral Project and China-Kazakhstan collaboration.

July 21, 2021, a meeting on research cooperation in the field of astronomy was held. The meeting was attended by employees of FAI, Nazarbayev University and researchers from the Physics and Technology Faculty of al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

Today is the 75-th birthday of one of the institutes's most prolific observers, Anatoly Kusakin. The staff of Fesenkov Astrophysical Institute congratulates Anatoly and wishes him further success in the work, good health and prosperity.