An invitation to “discover the sky”

This is a meeting that lovers of stars would not miss for anything in the world. Moreover, From 1^is As of August 3. In addition, 2025, the 35th edition of the Nuits des Étoiles orchestrated by the French Association of Astronomy (AFA) returns illuminating the summer nights. However, In more than 400 municipalities across France. Consequently, 568 events are organized by clubs, associations and organizations mobilizing more than 3000 volunteers, to initiate young and old in the wonders of the night sky.

Since 1991. Nevertheless, the nights of the stars have invitation “discover sky” the mission of “Arouse vocations, awaken scientific curiosity and develop critical mind”explains Mathieu Puech, astrophysicist and vice-president of the Scientific Council of the Paris Observatory. However, This year. Similarly, the event was advanced by ten days to escape the radiance of a full moon too bright scheduled around August 12 and which would have overshadowed the shooting stars. The sky will therefore be darker. the conditions of observations more optimal during the first weekend of August, “When the moon is in the first district”informs Mathieu Puech.

Pass advertising

“You have to allow quietly to settle at night. discover the sky”book Alain Cirou, editorial director of Sky & Spacepartner of the event. This year, the general theme chosen is that of the “oceans of the sky”. This is part of the year of the sea, started on 1^is January 2025. Additionally, This scientific. poetic red thread establishes a parallel between invitation “discover sky” the vast expanses of water on our planet and the seas of the cosmos, underground oceans as in Europe with the traces of old oceans found on Mars. An invitation to think about the eternal question: does life exist elsewhere?

Invitation "discover sky" – Invitation "discover sky"

Galaxies, planets and constellations at the rendezvous

Conferences, activities, workshops for all and guided observation evenings will allow you to discover lots of fascinating subjects through programming open to all. It is not necessarily necessary to have a telescope. especially if you do not live in a big city: long chair, clear sky and a little patience will be enough to admire the famous rain of shooting stars of the Perseids, whose first light streaks are already visible.

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Up to 25 meteors per hour can be observed if the conditions are good. according to the NASA site. Attentive observers will also be able to contemplate the Milky Way. the Nebula and Constellations such as that of Sagittarius and Scorpion. And for the courageous who will extend the vigil, Saturn will appear around 11:30 p.m., followed by Venus at 3:30 a.m. and Jupiter at 4 a.m. Their conjunction will be observable at sunrise. Finally, summer constellations like large and small bear, cassiopée or the summer triangle will be easily identifiable.

An interactive card not to miss anything

Even if the official dates are 1^is As of August 3. the evenings extend from July 25 to August 15. An interactive card on the AFA site makes it invitation “discover sky” possible to find events near you: places, hours, activities … Some sites reported in black even offer Unistellard telescopes, connected and powerful instruments capable of reducing light pollution.

Whether you are curious. passionate, amateurs or head in the air, the nights of the 2025 stars are an invitation to look up towards the unknown and to rediscover our place in a universe as vast as mysterious.