Astronomy Day celebration in Finland

Astronomy Day is being celebrated on Saturday, September 26, coinciding with the autumnal equinox when day and night are of nearly equal length. The event highlights the high popularity of astronomy in Finland, where the number of hobbyists per capita is among the highest in the world.

Observers can view several celestial phenomena, including the planets Saturn, Mars, and Jupiter. Notable constellations such as the Big Dipper and Orion, as well as the Summer Triangle stars Vega, Altair, and Deneb, will be visible. The night will also feature a full moon and numerous satellites.

The Astronomical Association Ursa, one of Finland's largest scientific associations with approximately 17,000 members, notes that the hobby is diverse, ranging from visual observation of nebulae and galaxies to the scientific study of cosmology.