“Look, that’s Albireo, the swan’s beak.” With a green laser, an amateur astronomer points to one of the stars forming this bird-shaped constellation. About forty warmly dressed curious people met at the top of the Puy de Dôme, to experience this 32nd Night of the Stars together this Friday, August 5th.
Seven observation instruments have been installed by volunteers from the Association of Amateur Astronomers of Auvergne (4A) to observe deep sky objects, invisible to the naked eye.
The forty visitors boarded the train, via the Panoramic of the Domes, at 8 p.m. While waiting for the arrival of the first stars, the volunteers of the association give some explanations on the color of the sky at sunset. Photo: Thomas Mercklé
A friendly event
The possibility of observing the stars this Friday evening almost depends on the alignment of the planets as the weather has been capricious in recent hours. The ground is still wet from the afternoon rains. In the early evening, the clouds moved away, Jupiter showing that he knew how to show leniency.
“We had to unfold in disaster”, testifies Jean-Michel Cognet of 4A, between two telescope settings. About thirty registrants did not come, discouraged by the weather.
One of the amateur astronomers quickly deploys his telescope before the light falls. Photo: Thomas Mercklé
Around 10 p.m., the last redness of twilight disappears and reveals the brightest stars. The curious stroll from instrument to instrument, asking their questions to the volunteers.
“It’s in a small committee, so very friendly, appreciate, two Puydomois who came with their son, Sacha, passionate about astronomy from the height of his nine years. It is interesting to exchange with these enthusiasts. »
Astronomy as an environmental awareness tool
“When you answer questions, it’s important to get to the level of people’s knowledge,” insists Olivier Martin, president of 4A.
More than an awareness of sky observation, the event is for him an opportunity to remind that light pollution is harmful to many nocturnal species.
Astronomy as a tool for raising awareness of ecology, in a way: “We want to show that we are very little in the universe, and that it is essential to protect what we have. »
This Saturday August 6, 2022, the association is hosting a second Night at the Puy de Combegrasse (Aydat). Free event upon reservation via the site Auvergne destination or at 04.73.62.21.46.
Remi Bayol