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Learn more about space with Tähtitiistai lectures

The speakers talked about the history of Finnish space research, the secrets of black holes, quasars, Earth-sized telescopes and solar research. Watch the recordings now and find out more about upcoming events at Marsio.
A person is presenting to an audience with a large screen showing a wave diagram and a rainbow.
In his lecture, Metsähovi's director Joni Tammi talked about Metsähovi's history. Photo: Aalto University/Joonas Lehtovaara.

Finland's only astronomical radio observatory, Metsähovi Radio Observatory, turned 50 this year. To celebrate the anniversary, we organised a three-part Tähtitiistai lecture series to bring astronomy close to everyone's everyday life. In the lecture series, former and current people of Metsähovi talked about the history of Finnish space research, quasars, solar research and the secrets of black holes, among other things. The lectures were held in the cinema of the new Marsio building. You can find the recordings of the lectures at the end of this news item.

Topics and speakers

Tähtitiistai: 50 years with the frequency of the Universe

  • Antennas towards space – the first fifty years of Metsähovi Radio Observatory
    Joni Tammi, Director, Metsähovi Radio Observatory, Aalto University (in Finnish)
  • How to make friends, success and influence in the world of science? Metsähovi 1980 – 2000
    Esko Valtaoja, Professor Emeritus, University of Turku (in Finnish)

Tähtitiistai: The Invisible Universe

  • Half a century of quasars
    Merja Tornikoski, Senior Researcher, Metsähovi Radio Observatory, Aalto University (in Finnish)
  • OUR STAR – What 50 years of observing the sun tell us about ourselves, our environment and our future
    Derek McKay, Research Engineer, Metsähovi Radio Observatory, Aalto University (in English)

Tähtitiistai: At the Edge of Black Holes

  • Earth-sized telescope and restless black holes
    Tuomas Savolainen, Senior Researcher, Metsähovi Radio Observatory &; Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering, Aalto University (in Finnish)
  • Cosmic particle accelerators
    Talvikki Hovatta, Academy Research Fellow, Finnish Centre for ESO (in Finnish)

Events at Marsio

You can watch live streamings and recordings from Marsio events in Aalto Univeristy's Youtube channel.

Watch streamings and recordings

Two men stand on a stage presenting to a seated audience. The background screen displays 'Teaching Studio' with the Aalto University logo.
For Aalto community Support for digital teaching

Introduction to Marsio Teaching Studio 26.8.2026

Welcome to our introductory morning workshop for the Marsio Teaching Studio, designed specifically for Aalto teachers!
Betoninen portaikko rakennuksen sisällä, seinällä värikäs maalaus, portaissa näkymästä poistumassa henkilö.
Campus, Exhibitions, Other

Cooler Planet: Guided public art tour 8.9.

Join the tour with Outi Turpeinen (manager, Public art) and get to know Aalto University's public art collections in the Marsio, Kide, School of Business, and Väre buildings in more detail.
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The Nordic Tipping Point

How will the climate tipping points change the Nordics, and can we still stop them?
Betoninen portaikko rakennuksen sisällä, seinällä värikäs maalaus, portaissa näkymästä poistumassa henkilö.
Campus, Exhibitions, Other

Cooler Planet: Guided public art tour 16.9.

Join the tour with Outi Turpeinen (manager, Public art) and get to know Aalto University's public art collections in the Marsio, Kide, and Viima buildings in more detail.
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