Pori Space Lab Participates in European Researchers’ night 25.9.2026 17-20.
The theme of the night is planetary defense and asteroid research. The event is at SAMK campus Pori on 25.9. 17-20.
The event is open to the public and anyone interested in science is welcome (including those who are not yet quite researcher-age).
Program:
17:00-17:30 Open lecture (Tomáš Kohout): Can we protect Earth from impacts of potentially hazardous asteroids? ESA Hera mission will give an answer – this November!
Lecture in finnish with english slides.
You can also follow the lecture online. Streaming link to the lecture will be published on this page closer to the event.
Workshops:
17:00-20:00 Observing asteroids and comets – techniques and gear
In the workshop you will learn about observing asteroids, meteors and comets. You will see how telescopes and cameras can be used to observe the sky and how meteors can be observed with radio waves even when they can’t be seen with the human eye.
In this workshow you will see different observing techniques and observing gear, and learn what the difference between and asteroid, meteoroid, meteor and a comet is. The workshop is suitable for people of all ages, no previous experience in astronomy is required.
The worshop is made possible by SAMK students in collaboration with the astronomical group Karhunvartijat.
17:30-20:00 Impact cratering experiments
Observe how impact craters develop in various materials (fine powder, wet or dry sand) based on their physical properties. Bring your phone to record own impact video!
17:30-20:00 Asteroid deflection billiard
Test your asteroid mitigation skills using our cosmic billiard! Observe how the impact alters asteroid trajectory and how different asteroids behave!
The program is free of charge and open to everyone. There is no sign-up for the event, you can show up when it suits you and stay as long as you want (or until the doors close for the night).
The event will be held at SAMK-kampus Pori in Satakunnankatu 23, Pori, in classroom A101 and near it.
For more info on the event, you can email us at info@porispacelab.fi or contact us through our contact page.