2018 Visit Tartu Observatory

In the beginning of September 2018, Evelyn and myself went to visit the Tartu Observatory, located in Töravere, about 20 minutes car drive South-east of Tartu. We had the pleasure to meet with the director of the observatory, Dr Anu Reinart. We used to the meeting to introduce our intention to host a NASA Space Apps Challenge hackathon, jointly with Tartu Observatory, which is in fact the Estonian Space Agency. The idea was greatly welcomed and organising the event proceeded.

Dr Anu Reinart gave us the honour of a short guided introduction to the buildings, departments and exhibition areas of the observatory. It was very interesting to learn about the 3 main pillars of work and research at the facility:

First and foremost, space exploration, astronomy, analysing space imagery from telescopes on Earth and in orbit. Secondly, Earth Observation and Remote Sensing. This is a field of joint interest and increasing collaboration between Tartu Observatory and the Department of Geography. And finally, a smaller fraction also works on innovation and satellite technology.

Tartu Observatory website: https://www.to.ee/

Tartu Observatory main building. It was renovated and houses the staff and research offices.

Various impressions from inside the main building. Baltic Sat Apps is a innovation / incubator program, supported by ESA, on uptake of Sentinal / Copernicus data.

Various impressions from inside the main building. History of satellite missions the observatory has participated in. 

Various impressions from inside the main building. The main satellite payload that was launched where Estonia's first own little satellite - the EstCUBE cubesat - was also lifted into space.

Various impressions from inside the main building. Educational and research information on space.

Various impressions from inside the main building. A nice open area, after the renovation of the building, the hallways have been redesigned in order to create more open spaces.