Tartu Observatory Open Doors Day

Hey student! Ready to take a peek behind the scenes of science?

On September 9th, 2025, Tartu Observatory in Tõravere is hosting an Open Doors Day – and you're invited! If you're curious about science, space, or considering doing your thesis at the observatory, this day is for you.

During the day, you'll get to:

• Meet scientists and students working at the observatory
• Discover what exciting research happens here
• Take part in hands-on workshops and guided tours
• At the space stations, you can get to know our student organizations and ask questions from our students

Transport from Tartu and back is provided – just sign up and join us!

Schedule:
12:00 Bus from Tartu (stops: 12:05 Delta, 12:20 Maarjavälja)
13:00 Introduction to departments
14:00 Workshops
15:00 Observatory tour
16:30 Space stations + soup break
17:15 Bus back to Tartu

Workshops:

Mapping the Universe with Gaia and J-PAS

We will explore how distances are determined in astronomy. In this workshop, participants will query the Gaia space telescope database and use the results to calculate distances. Then, we’ll look into how the international J-PAS survey, with Estonian participation, maps our Universe and visualize its dataset.

Measuring 3D Structures with LiDAR and Photogrammetry

Describing the surrounding world in 3D is essential for many models and has various practical applications. Using a terrestrial laser scanner, we will measure the area around the observatory’s main building. Additionally, we’ll explore a photogrammetric scanner used for measuring millimeter-scale structures.

Supernova Light Curves

Why and how do light curves form, and what can they tell us? We will look into newly discovered types of supernovae through their light curves and explore why they are scientifically significant.

Mission planning for Lunar rovers

At the Tartu Observatory, a lunar rover called Kuupkulgur is being developed, which is expected to become part of the European Space Agency’s lunar rover development projects. The workshop takes place at the Tartu Observatory’s Space Mission Simulation Center, where we plan and conduct combined missions involving Kuupkulgur and astronauts in a lunar analogue environment.

Publicly accessible climate data for exploring the future

In the workshop, we’ll explore open climate data both in pre-processed form and directly from databases, where you can write your own code to analyze climate aspects that interest you.

Register here and discover what Tartu Observatory has to offer you!

NB! The Open Doors Day at Tartu Observatory is an event that will be photographed and recorded. The photos and video recordings taken may later be used by the organizers in their web and print materials.