News

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

Image from remote site: www.aalto.fi

Power of Networking (external link)

Power of Networking focuses on strategic networking, not as a buzzword, but as a practical skill for entrepreneurs and innovators alike.
Event poster with three people and text about turning research into value. Date: Monday, March 2nd 2026. Time: 15:30 – 17:30.
Lectures and seminars

Doc+ Dialogues: Turning Research Know-How into Value

Welcome to Doc+ Dialogues - new panel discussion series for Doctoral Researchers, PostDocs and Alumni. Come and connect with your collegial community in Marsio at the heart of Aalto.
Focus on hope and lens illustration
Lectures and seminars

Aalto Ahaa public lecture 3.3. - Hope

In the Aalto Ahaa public lecture series, three experts guide listeners to reflect on hope in life, in technology, and in understanding polarization.
Image from remote site: aalto.my.salesforce.com

The Togetherness Lab – Workshop (external link)

Laboratory of Hope workshop: The Togetherness Lab – Exploring Hope
  • Updated:
  • Published:
Share
URL copied!

Read more news

Three people having a discussion at a table with laptops. Text: Visiting Professorships at TU Graz, October 1, 2026 - January 31, 2027.
Cooperation, Research & Art, Studies, University Published:

Apply Now: Unite! Visiting Professorships at TU Graz

TU Graz, Austria, invites experienced postdoctoral researchers to apply for two fully funded visiting professorships. The deadline for expressions of interest is 20 February 2026, and the positions will begin on 1 October 2026.

Research & Art Published:

Soil Laboratory Exhibition – Exploring the Dialogue Between Human and the Earth in Utsjoki

Soil Laboratory explores the relationship between humans and the earth as a living landscape through ceramic practices in Utsjoki.
Three people walking in winter next to a sign that says 'Aalto University' with snow-covered trees and buildings in the background.
Research & Art Published:

The Finnish Cultural Foundation awarded grants for science and art

A total of 15 individuals or groups from Aalto University received grants
Aerial view of a tram on a curved track surrounded by trees and buildings in a cityscape on a sunny day.
Awards and Recognition, Cooperation, Research & Art Published:

Environmental Structure of the Year 2025 Award goes to Kalasatama-Pasila tramway

The award is given in recognition of meritorious design and implementation of the built environment. Experts from Aalto University developed sustainability solutions for the project.