Ursa (Finland)

Ursa Astronomical Association (Finnish: Tähtitieteellinen yhdistys Ursa ry) is the largest astronomical association in Finland. Ursa was founded on 2 November 1921. Founding members include a renowned Finnish astronomer Yrjö Väisälä. In 1926 Ursa established the Ursa Observatory in Kaivopuisto district of Helsinki. Ursa's primary functions include advancing amateur astronomy and astronomical education. They have also published a magazine Tähdet ja avaruus since 1971.^[1] Anyone interested in astronomy can join the 14,000-member organization.

Sections

The organization has thirteen sections specialized in different aspects of amateur astronomy (and meteorology):

• Solar section
• Halo section
• Instrument section
• Atmospheric optical phenomena section
• Clubs and organization
• Lunar, planetary and cometary section
• Mathematics and information technology section
• Meteor section
• Storm chasing section
• Minor planet and occultation section
• Aurora section
• Deep sky section
• Satellite section

In addition, Ursa has two loosely organized hobby groups:

• Variable stars
• Observation conditions

External links

• English section of Ursa website

References