New Year's Observing with Guests from the Arctic Circle

No, it wasn't Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer. It was Partow Izadi and his family from Finland. Partow is an experienced amateur astronomer and was looking forward to a night under the stars without the freezing temperatures of his home in Finland near the arctic circle. We still couldn't resist teasing him about getting cold at 30 degrees north latitude, but he really didn't come dressed for freezing desert temps.

I was surprised when he told me how many dedicated amateur astronomers there are in Finland, where arctic temperatures, a nearly unchanging sky in the winter, and the midnight sun in the summer make observing a real challenge. Apparently there are many astronomy clubs in the country with avid members. At least he gets good views of the Aurora Borealis!

Thanks for being our guests and come back to visit Israel soon, Partow!

The Izadi family, from Finland, and me. (Click for full size image.)

Keep on looking up!