What do geologists study? We are celebrating 175 years of geology at the University of Helsinki. At this opening event of the anniversary year, you can explore geological research at exhibition stands and through mini-lectures. You will learn about Finland’s ancient volcanoes, find out what meteorites are, and explore the history of life through fossil mammal and early humans remains. You can even jump and create your own earthquake! In addition, the mini-lectures will explore the geological history of Finland’s lakes, from the Ice Ages to the present day. The mini-lectures will be in Finnish.
Admission to the Finnish Museum of Natural History is free all day.
Info stands
The info stands are open from 17.00 to 20.00.
Studying ancient and modern volcanoes
What volcanic features can be found in Finland's bedrock? How can we study ancient and modern volcanoes? Visit our display to study rock samples and learn about the Finland's geological past and volcanoes in general.
Organizer: FluxBEATS doctoral network
Mammal fossils, early humans and climate models
What can the teeth of fossil mammals tell us about changes in the Earth, its climate and habitats over time? What was life like for early humans in Europe, and what do we know about their origins? At our stand, you can explore the history of life through fossils, as well as remains of early human relatives and stone tools.
Organisers: Evolutionary Palaeontology and Hominin Ecology Research Groups and the Björn Kurtén Club
Earthquakes in Finland
Did you know that dozens of earthquakes occur in Finland every year? The earthquakes are small in magnitude, but occasionally they can also be felt by people. Natural seismicity is not a significant societal concern in Finland, but seismic measurements we carry out have several important applications. Join us to learn about the history of seismic measurements in Finland, discover more about seismicity, and explore current and emerging research directions in seismology.
Organiser: Institute of Seismology
Meteorite – a messenger from outer space
Where do meteorites come from? How can you identify a meteorite, and what can meteorites tell us about the formation of the Solar System and our Earth? Come and discover the meteorites in the collections of the Finnish Museum of Natural History (Luomus) and learn about the research being conducted on them.
Organiser: Earth Sciences Unit, Finnish Museum of Natural History
Geopiste: Explore and experiment!
At Geopiste, visitors of all ages can explore geosciences through hands-on activities and observation. For example, come and investigate the different properties of rocks and minerals and test the hardness of various minerals!
Organiser: Geopiste - the Science lab for Geography and Geosciences
Miniluento: Suomen järvimaisema jääkaudesta nykyaikaan (in Finnish)
Ympäristögeokemian professori Tom Jilbert kertoo Suomen järvien geologisesta syntytarinasta jääkausista nykypäivään näyttäen Suomen järvimaiseman muotoutumisen varhaisesta Itämerestä nykyiselleen useiden tuhansien vuosien kuluessa. Lisäksi Jilbert luo katsauksen järvien nykytilaan ja havainnollistaa, kuinka geologit tutkivat järviin kerrostuneita sedimenttikerroksia ja niihin tallentunutta ihmistoiminnan historiaa.
Samasisältöinen noin 30 minuutin luento järjestetään klo 18.00 ja 19.00 museon toisen kerroksen työpajatilassa. Luennot pidetään suomeksi. Tilaan mahtuu 40 henkilöä. Luennoille ei ole ennakkoilmoittautumista.
Organisers of the full programme: Department of Geosciences & Geography and the Finnish Museum of Natural History, University of Helsinki
Accessibility information
The main entrance of the Museum of Natural History is not accessible. The accessible entrance is located on the museum’s inner courtyard side. The address of the courtyard gate is Arkadiankatu 7. The courtyard gate is open for the duration of the Night of Science.
With the exception of the winter corner of the Finnish Nature exhibition, the museum is accessible in terms of mobility. The info stands and mini lectures, part of the Night of Science, are accessible.
More accessibility information on the Natural History Museum's website under "Arrival and accessibility".
More information about accessibility before and during the event:
The museum's ticket desk, +358 2941 28800