This is the don’t-miss moment of the summer to watch the shooting stars. Several stargazing nights are planned in the Alpes-Maritimes this weekend, offering a chance to observe the Perseids or even Saturn and its rings.
This weekend, step away from the cities and look up, the show is happening in the sky. The Perseids are making their appearance, offering the opportunity to witness a magnificent meteor shower. These meteors, visible every summer, result from the interaction between Earth and debris from the 109P/Swift-Tuttle comet. The peak activity of this annual phenomenon will occur on the night of August 12 to 13, with up to a hundred shooting stars visible per hour.
Star dust is the theme of this 33rd edition of the Night of the Shooting Stars. Through events organized all over France by various clubs and associations under the auspices of the French Astronomy Association, the general public is invited to delve into astronomy on one of the year’s most impressive nights.
Any spot far from the light pollution generated by city streetlights is ideal for observing the Milky Way. It’s the perfect time to bring out your telescope, binoculars, or find a comfortable place to lie back and gaze at the vastness of the celestial vault. In the Alpes-Maritimes, several special evenings are organized for this occasion, allowing you to unlock the secrets of the sky alongside enthusiasts and experts.
Program for Friday, August 11
The Populaire Astronomy Group of the Antibes Region invites you to Juan-les-Pins this Friday, August 11, from 9:30 PM to 1 AM, at the Garoupe Lighthouse Parking. Thanks to around ten professional telescopes, the public will be able to observe a variety of celestial bodies.
In Valbonne, Provence Sciences Techniques Jeunesse, the Alps Astronomy School, organizes the Night of the Stars. From 6 PM to 7 PM, the evening kicks off with a lecture titled, “Cosmic Dust: A Journey Among the Stars” by Mr. Julien Drevon, accessible free by reservation. From 9 PM to midnight, everyone is invited to discover the wonders the sky offers through telescopes.
Program for Saturday, August 12
On the night of August 12 to 13, the Cannes Astronomy Society invites you to the Gardens of the International Perfume Museum in Mouans-Sartoux, 979 Chemin des Gourettes, from 6 PM to 1 AM. On the agenda: photo exhibitions, a perfume bar, an astro-mythological walk led by enthusiast Romain Haby, and celestial observation.
At 1400 meters above sea level, in the north of the department, the J Valéri Planetarium Association is mobilizing for this Night of the Perseids, in Gréolières les Neiges. At the heart of the station, from 6 PM to midnight, different activities are offered. The Festivities Committee provides a refreshment stand and food stalls.
In Puget-Rostang, the Alpes d’Azur Community of Municipalities and the Roudoule Ecomuseum offer activities starting at 6 PM on the Dina Plateau, near the Saint-Julien chapel. Situated in the heart of the International Dark Sky Reserve (RICE) Alpes Azur Mercantour, the site is especially conducive to sky observation.
This edition’s program includes information booths and educational games, water rocket construction workshops, storytelling with music, a lecture on sundials, and a night sky photography workshop with a professional photographer. Once night falls, astronomers from the SPICA Club will guide the public in their observation. A convivial meal is planned, payable by reservation only at 04 93 05 13 25.
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