Greetings from the arctic circle!

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Dennis Lehtonen avatar
Hello, my name is Dennis, 26, and my astronomy journey started when one late night in 2017 I was watching youtube and I clicked a video where a person captured saturn from their backyard. I was amazed and didn't know that was even possible. Week after I had my own telescope which I had no idea how to use. Almost immediately afterwards I joined the local astronomical society and attended most events and joined a summer camp. I was handed the keys to the observatory in which I would spend most nights photographing saturn and jupiter, which were only a few degrees above the horizon. Due to my passion towards astronomy I decided to apply to university of Oulu, Finland for astronomy program. I started my studies in 2020 and early in 2021 I would move to a small town "Salla - in middle of nowhere" to escape light pollution. The town isn't exactly suited for deep sky photography though as the northern lights are so common and you can't really photograph a galaxy through those. Though I dont mind, since I may not live here for much longer so I'll try to enjoy them to fullest. The bortle scale for center of the town is 4 with 2 being about 10 minute drive away. I however don't own a car, so reaching the darkest and prettiest landscapes isn't possible for me, but I'll do my best to get some nice aurora shots from my backyard or nearby.
Engaging
SemiPro avatar
I suppose the grass is greener on the other side as I'd love to see the Northern Lights in full blast. You have some great pictures of them on your profile!

I've always been fascinated by the arctic circle, especially when it comes to astronomy. Being so close to the Earth's axis certainly creates some unique and surreal views.
Well written Respectful Engaging
AstroStoked avatar
Man! Bortle 4 skies in town is certainly nothing to complain about. But if I had no car and and a bortle 2 sky ~10 miles away, I think I'd sling my rig on my back and hike out of townsmile

Welcome!
Scott Badger avatar
For the rest of us, it's hard to imagine northern lights as a problem!.... I'd be scrambling to get my DSLR off the scope for the first time in I don't know how long!

Just before the shutdown, my wife and did some dog sledding with Inuit guides out of Kulusk in eastern Greenland. Had some great aurora opportunities but wasn't into AP yet. Going back in '23 for a ski trip and would love to take advantage of the incredible dark skies for some AP too, but can't imagine how I'd get the gear there without damage, not to mention damage to my bank account!

Cheers,
Scott
Oscar Petersson (Peson.Astro) avatar
Lemons, lemonade etc. smile I guess I should get into cloud watching …
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