Nights of the stars: where and how to observe them in France?

Whether or not you are on vacation in August, everyone can enjoy the Star Nights which takes place this weekend, and ends tonight. The French Astronomy Association (AFA) is in partnership with more than 335 municipalities to introduce the curious to astronomy. As every year since 1991, the AFA offers various events and activities all over France according to a chosen theme. This year the theme is Space Exploration.

The activities are free and supervised by volunteers who give advice and help to spot the different stars. According to the association, there will be more than 200 this year. If the Star Nights have already started since Friday, they will continue until this evening. So it is still possible to enjoy it!

In order to participate in the animated evenings, you must first find a place of observation alongside the AFA volunteers on the site. For example, in Paris, you will have to go to the square Louise Michel in the 18th arrondissement from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m.

On the Besançon side, an evening around the observation of the Moon and its craters as well as stars or doubles and the Andromeda galaxy will be organized at the Observatory Park from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The event is exported internationally, since it will be possible to participate in an evening of observation in Grimbergen, not far from Brussels, in Belgium.

To see where all the entertainment will take place tonight, just take a look at the map on the AFA site. After that, all you have to do is choose your spot. In addition, in Paris, observations of the sky take place throughout the summer as part of Paris under the stars. The program for these evenings can also be found on the AFA website.

If unfortunately you miss the Nights of the Stars, know that it is possible to take advantage of the Night of the Shooting Stars which will take place from Friday August 12 to Saturday August 13, 2022. A rare and magical night during which the Earth will cross the Perseids, a swarm of meteorites escaped from comet Swift-Tuttle. 70-110 shooting stars per hour will be observable after dark!