Esko Valtaoja

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Esko Valtaoja (IPA: [ˈesko ˈʋɑltɑˌojɑ]) (1951, Kemi) is a Finnish astronomer and writer. He was born in Sodankylä. Valtaoja works as a professor at the University of Turku where he studies quasars.

In 2002 his book Kotona maailmankaikkeudessa (At Home in the Cosmos, 2001) won the Finlandia Prize for the best non-fiction work. After this he became a popular guest speaker at TV shows, science fiction conventions, popular science seminars etc. Part of his popularity comes from his ability to present complex scientific theories and ideas in a manner that is both understandable and entertaining to the general audience.

Since then, Valtaoja has written another book, Avoin tie (The Open Road, 2004), in which he explains his visions of the future. The book is written in a style similiar to that of Kotona maailmankaikkeudessa, with the general audience in mind.

In his free time he enjoys art and literature (especially science fiction). He is also an amateur biologist.