This year (and I wonder when I get used to writing 2009 instead of 2008) is International Year of Astronomy 2009: "... to help the citizens of the world rediscover their place in the Universe through the day- and night-time sky, and thereby engage a personal sense of wonder and discovery. [...] The International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) will be a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, highlighted by the 400th anniversary of the first use of an astronomical telescope by Galileo Galilei."
Urban areas are suffering from light pollution, which makes it diffucult to observe, e.g., the planets and stars. This photo was taken December 31st, 2008, and it shows the effects. Some thin clouds interfered also although we had a relatively clear sky compared to the typical winter so far.
I am envious of how the Milky Way appeared in my childhood on a farm about 500 km north of here. Such seeing is not possible in the Helsinki area.
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3 comments:
Yes, Light Pollution is a problem, even here in Saskatchewan, Canada. However, we can see the Milky way here, when we go out into the country 20 km or so or up into the bush (100km north) when canoeing. Wonderful stuff! I'm really enjoying your pictures, as well, BTW. We have about 40cm of snow here now and is currently about -25C during the day. Not as warm as you!
Les Richardson
Open Admin for Schools
You have it cold, definetely, we only have -10C currently. That is warm in comparison.
Another interesting fact is that you have a much smaller population density (almost exactly 1/10) than we here in Finland - lots of room outdoors!
The Ursa Astronomical Association has built Artjärvi observatory for the purpose of escaping from the light pollution. It is a nice place, one of the best in Europe for hobbyists.
Takes me always some months into the new year as well. Even worse is having to change passwords. I invariably type the old one for days, sometimes even one of some generations before :)
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