Ursa Observatory
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Overlooking Kaivopuisto park in Helsinki, Finland, the Ursa Observatory has stood as a fixture of Finnish amateur astronomy for nearly a century.
About Ursa Observatory
The observatory is run by the Ursa Astronomical Association and serves as a base for public astronomy education in the Finnish capital.
History
Ursa Observatory was designed by architect Martti Välikangas (1893–1973) and completed in 1926, making it a long-standing piece of Helsinki's cityscape.
Location & getting there
The observatory is located in Kaivopuisto park, one of Helsinki's best-known green spaces, in Finland.
Visiting Ursa Observatory
The Ursa Astronomical Association runs public events and viewing sessions at the observatory; check the association's website for current opening times before visiting.
See your named star from here
An observatory like this one can point its instruments at the exact coordinates of any star in the sky, including one carrying a name you've chosen. Name a star, or explore the catalogue of stars already named by others.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check the official website and Google Maps for current times before you travel.
