Did you know that the University of Oulu’s Linnanmaa campus has its own observatory? Built in 1980 as part of the campus development, the observatory houses telescopes used for astronomy teaching and research.
During the recent partial solar eclipse, around ten researchers from space physics and astronomy gathered at the observatory to observe and photograph the event using telescopes, binoculars, and specially designed solar filters.
PhD researcher Markus Similä from the Space Physics and Astronomy Unit captured images of the eclipse as well as a sunspot, which is a visible sign of the Sun’s magnetic activity. Solar activity is also an important research topic at the University of Oulu, as solar particles can produce auroras and geomagnetic storms and affect satellites and power grids.
Although astronomical observatories are usually located far from city lights, the Linnanmaa observatory’s telescopes are well suited for observing bright objects such as the planets. The observatory remains a hidden feature of the campus, supporting teaching and providing researchers and students with an opportunity to explore the night sky.
