FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The aurora season in Rovaniemi runs from September to March. The best months are typically December through February when polar nights (kaamos) provide up to 18+ hours of darkness. However, the equinox periods in September-October and February-March often have the most intense geomagnetic activity. We monitor space weather forecasts and can chase clear skies within a 100km radius to maximize your chances.

While we cannot guarantee aurora sightings (they depend on solar activity and weather), our guides use real-time aurora forecasts and weather data to find the best conditions. Most tours during peak season have high success rates. Some tour packages offer a partial refund or free rebooking if no aurora is visible due to weather conditions – check specific tour details for the policy.

Dress in warm layers! Temperatures in Rovaniemi can drop to -20C to -30C in winter. We recommend thermal base layers, insulated mid-layers, a windproof outer shell, warm winter boots rated to at least -30C, thick mittens, a warm hat covering ears, and a neck gaiter or balaclava. We provide thermal suits and boots for some tours – check your booking details.

No prior experience is needed. Our professional photographers guide you through camera settings, composition, and techniques for capturing the aurora. We recommend bringing a camera with manual mode capability and a tripod. Even smartphone users can capture great memories with the right guidance. We can also provide professional photos from the tour.

The ZWO Seestar S50 is a smart, all-in-one telescope designed for beginners and enthusiasts. It automatically finds and tracks celestial objects using GPS and plate-solving technology. Simply set it up, connect via the smartphone app, select a target (galaxy, nebula, star cluster), and watch as it captures and stacks images in real-time. No astronomy experience required!

We offer Seestar S50 rentals at all three of our European Dark Sky Triangle locations: Rovaniemi (Finland), Bornholm (Denmark), and Cyprus. Pickup and return locations vary by destination – contact us for specific arrangements. We can also deliver to select hotels and accommodations.

Rental prices vary by location: approximately 35-55 EUR per night depending on the destination. Weekly rates offer better value for longer stays. The rental includes the telescope, tripod, carrying case, and basic instruction. A refundable security deposit is required. Contact us for current pricing and availability.

Yes, you’ll need a smartphone or tablet with the free Seestar app installed (available for iOS and Android). The telescope connects via WiFi to your device. We recommend downloading the app and familiarizing yourself with it before your rental period begins. We provide a quick-start guide with each rental.

The Seestar excels at deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula, Andromeda Galaxy, star clusters, and planetary nebulae. It also captures beautiful views of the Moon and can image planets (though with less detail than dedicated planetary telescopes). In Cyprus and Bornholm’s dark skies, you can capture stunning images of objects that would be invisible to the naked eye.

The European Dark Sky Triangle is Nordic Space Institute’s network of three premier stargazing destinations across Europe: Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland (aurora and Arctic sky), Bornholm in Denmark (certified dark sky community), and Cyprus (Mediterranean year-round stargazing). Together, they offer diverse astronomical experiences throughout the year.

Rovaniemi: Best for Northern Lights (September-March), Arctic winter experiences, and aurora photography. Bornholm: Ideal for deep-sky observation, star parties, and a community-focused dark sky experience (best August-April). Cyprus: Perfect for year-round stargazing with 320+ clear nights, warm weather, and Mediterranean charm. Cyprus is especially good for summer Milky Way photography.

Our locations range from Bortle Class 2-4, which means genuinely dark skies with minimal light pollution. In Rovaniemi’s wilderness areas, you can see the zodiacal light and thousands of stars. Bornholm’s protected areas offer similar darkness. Cyprus’s Troodos Mountains reach Bortle 2-3, among the darkest in the Mediterranean region.

Our shop offers over 1,000 astronomy-related products including telescopes, binoculars, eyepieces, camera adapters, astrophotography equipment, star charts, filters, and accessories. We also stock items suitable for aurora hunting and night sky observation. We focus on quality equipment from trusted brands like ZWO, Celestron, Sky-Watcher, and more.

Yes, we ship throughout Europe and to many international destinations. Shipping costs and delivery times vary by location and package size. Free shipping is available for orders over a certain amount within the EU. Check the cart for specific shipping options to your country.

We offer returns within 14 days of delivery for unused items in original packaging. Some items (hygiene products, custom orders) may be excluded. For defective products, we follow manufacturer warranty procedures. Please visit our Returns page for detailed information and to initiate a return.

We accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), PayPal, and bank transfers. All transactions are processed securely. For large orders or business purchases, please contact us to discuss payment arrangements.

ArcticSpaces is the consumer-facing brand of Astro Art Finland Oy, a Finnish company specializing in astronomy tourism and equipment. Nordic Space Institute (NSI) is our organization focused on dark sky preservation and astronomical education across Europe. We are based in Finland with operations in Denmark and Cyprus.

You can reach us via email at info@arcticspaces.com or through our Contact page. For urgent matters during tours, emergency contact numbers are provided in your booking confirmation. We aim to respond to all inquiries within 24-48 hours.

Yes! We offer both scheduled group tours and private experiences. Private tours can be customized for families, couples, corporate groups, or photography enthusiasts. Contact us to discuss your requirements and receive a personalized quote.