Tähtikallio Observatory & Education Center

Tähtikallio Observatory & Education Center is set into the rock at Artjärvi in Finland, a striking site with a story that reaches back to the Second World War.

About Tähtikallio Observatory & Education Center

The observatory is run by Ursa, the Tähtitieteellinen yhdistys Ursa ry, Finland's largest astronomical association. Unusually, the facility is partially dug into rock, built on the site of a former ammunition depot along the WWII-era Salpalinja defensive line.

History

The observatory was founded in 2007, giving Ursa a permanent, purpose-built home for public astronomy in Artjärvi.

Telescopes & research

The site houses several instruments, including an Astrofox 36-inch folded Newtonian telescope, an Alluna 16-inch Ritchey-Chrétien, a Meade 16-inch LX200GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain, and a Sky-Watcher ED 120mm refractor fitted with a solar filter for daytime solar observing.

Location & getting there

Tähtikallio Observatory & Education Center is located in Artjärvi, Finland. Use the map and directions button on this page to plan your route.

Visiting Tähtikallio Observatory & Education Center

The site includes an educational Planetary Path feature for visitors and hosts events, though it's worth checking Ursa's website for current opening times and programme details before travelling.

See your named star from here

With telescopes ranging up to 36 inches, Tähtikallio is well equipped to seek out the exact coordinates of a symbolically named star. Browse our star catalogue to find a star named near Finland.