The starry sky has always fascinated people, and in Seinäjoki, Lakeuden Ursa has been a hobby for forty years. In recent years, Lakeuden Ursa's activities have been renewed. As a result, the association has grown to a community of nearly 170 members, which is one of the four largest stargazing associations in Finland in terms of membership. The easily approachable hobby invites enthusiasts of all ages to join.
The association's most visible symbol is the Sahanneva Observatory, which was completed in 2006. At the top of the three-story building is a cold observation platform at a height of about eight meters, and above it a dome weighing 1,500 kilograms opens to the starry sky. The heart of the tower is a separate central pillar containing 50 tons of concrete, which ensures the stability of the observations. A lot of people were involved during the construction phase, but at some point over the years, the activity quieted down.
– The association must be active and renewing. If there is no renewal, the activities will start to stagnate at some point, says Lakeuden Ursan. Esko Petäja tells.
Long-term development takes the hobby to a new level
In recent years, the association's activities have seen a clear transformation. It began at the end of 2024, when the Katja Pennala asked if a starry night could be organized. Around the same time, the observatory's main telescope broke. The situation raised the need to modernize the equipment, and this triggered a broader, carefully planned renovation phase. The main telescope was renovated, and with this, new technology was sought. Sky cameras, a satellite reception system and other development projects that are progressing in stages have brought the observatory into the 2020s. The development has required many volunteer hours for the common goal, and there have been enough contributors and volunteers.
– It's great that there are so many different people involved. Esko handles the equipment and that has made it possible to develop the systems, Katja says with gratitude.
Over the past year, the change has been rapid: the number of members has grown significantly, and new enthusiastic enthusiasts have found their way to the club nights. Founding members have also become more active and started participating in the activities again.
The next goal is to build a mini observatory that could be operated remotely. It would open up the possibility of stargazing for anyone interested, even from their own couch. There are also plans for a study trip to Heureka and a starry night for young people. During the spring and summer, there are also plans to activate the solar telescope for viewing the sun, which will continue throughout the daylight hours.
Astronomy into popular consciousness – insights and wow moments
One of Lakeuden Ursa's strengths is its ability to explain complex issues clearly and comprehensibly. We want to offer visitors experiences that are easily approachable but still impactful. Not all the information is given at once.
Esko thinks the best observations are the northern lights and fireballs.
– The image quality of the sky cameras surprised me, they allow us to see everything that is happening in the sky. I would never have believed that the cameras' night vision and color reproduction are so good, Esko says.
Raising public awareness is evident in presentations, guided tours and social media. The aim is to break the prejudice that astronomy is only a skill for the few. In practice, all that is needed to start a hobby is interest – astronomy can be practiced at many levels and the enthusiast chooses how to do it.Välle wants to drown.
Low-threshold hobby
The association has deliberately made it easy to welcome new enthusiasts.
I was involved in the Ursa of Lakeland for a short time. Thomas Granqvist confirms the matter.
– When I joined the activities, nothing was expected of me. I was welcomed well and asked what I was interested in. Getting involved was natural, says Thomas.
You can get involved in the association's activities by participating in club evenings, public screenings and various events. You can join on site or electronically. You can participate in the activities in many ways: by helping with commissioned visits, participating in volunteer work or learning how to use telescopes. There are only about a dozen active members so far, so there is genuine room for new contributors.
Lakeuden Ursa is an example of how long-term work, community spirit and curiosity can turn a hobby into a common source of joy for the entire region. Liiveri awarded Lakeuden Ursa the Toiminnan uusitajat diploma in connection with the annual meeting in Jalasjärvi on 24 March 2026.
All photos in the article: Jani Pihlaja, Lakeuden Ursa ry
Liiveri involved in the development:
- 2004–2006 Construction of the Sahanneva Observatory
- 2025–2026 Safe under the stars – the safety and preparedness project will improve the safety, preparedness and usability of the Lakeuden Ursa observatory area all year round. The project will include, among other things, purchasing an access control system, increasing the yard lighting, acquiring a camera monitor and improving signage.
- 2025–2026 The Lakeuden Ursa – Digital Sky Observatory project will develop an internationally unique combination of telescopes, sky cameras and weather satellite data reception for South Ostrobothnia. The project will also install an information and presentation sign next to the observatory along a busy outdoor recreation route.