Finns gather to watch partial solar eclipse despite clouds

A partial solar eclipse brought people together across Finland late on Wednesday, with around 250 children, young people and adults gathering in Sundom, Vaasa, Yle reported. The event was described as impressive and interesting, while some viewers said the eclipse made them feel humble.

Yle streamed the eclipse live from an observatory run by an astronomical society in Vaasa. Cloudy weather on the western coast created uncertainty before the broadcast, but the sky cleared before 9pm and the partially eclipsed Sun appeared. The crowd’s mood immediately improved, even though the most anticipated moment had already passed.

“We were lucky, and the audience got to see the solar eclipse,” said Kaj Höglund, chairman of the astronomical society. Satu Hietala from Vaasa said she wanted to take part in the unique event, which was almost in her own backyard.

In Padasjoki in the Päijät-Häme region, the weather did not disrupt viewing. Local resident Matti Niemi watched from an observation platform and said he enjoyed looking at the night sky. “That is when you realise how small a person is,” he said.

Kirsi Pykälistö watched the eclipse with her husband from her mother’s yard shortly before 9pm. She said the upper part of the Sun was visible while the lower part was covered. “It was really interesting to see and experience this,” she said.

In Utsjoki, the eclipse began at about 8.45pm. Around 50 people gathered at the local observatory. Local resident Niilo Vuomajoki, who is Sámi and grew up in a fell region, said he had always been interested in celestial bodies and their movements. “The universe has always interested me,” he said.