Full House for the 32nd Nights of the Stars at the Hautes-Plates Observatory, near Dijon

Make stars in their eyes: Several lucky men and women had the right to do so at the beginning of August. About 80 volunteers mobilized for Star Nights in Corcelles-les-Monts (Côte-d’Or) welcomed more than 3,700 people, at the height of the evenings of August 5 and 6. This year, these nights are marked as space exploration. The many perspectives, podiums and conferences organized by the association attracted many people. This is the case near Dijon, with the operation carried out Burgundy Astronomical Society.

The observatory is a victim of its own success

It is difficult to park near the Hautes-Plates Observatory. Nearly 1,000 cars parked in front of the site, on the evening of Saturday, August 6th. Families with young children, astronomy enthusiasts or simple stargazers: everyone wanted to make the trip.

What captivates them most is the moon. It can already be seen through the telescope at the Hautes-Plates Observatory. Volunteers from the Burgundy Astronomical Society provided tours in groups of 20 people. ” For those who haven’t had this opportunity, it is still possible to come and visit the observatory every Saturday during the summer, and once a month for the rest of the year. Dominique Douche, one of the volunteers and former vice president of the Burgundy Astronomy Society, is reassured.

For Jared, 27, it doesn’t matter. This Dijonnais came accompanied by his brother Raphael, 14, who lives in Brive. For them, the most important thing is to observe the planets of the solar system. ” What I want to see above all else is Jupiter. A beautiful planet in itself and has very specific characteristics Jared argues.

The conditions are already favorable to be able to observe these objects that make up the sky. ” With this clear horizon, it is possible to see Saturn, Jupiter and the Milky Way as well. This is where stars come and go Eric Chariot, director of development for the Burgundy Astronomy Society.

Astronomy while having fun

During these evenings, several booths were set up. Introduction to astronomy, observations on several telescopes of stars and planets, or even games and conferences. Among these conferences is the How to Become an Astronaut Conference. Salome, a high school student in Dijon, follows her closely with her parents and childhood friends. Seeing the offer of tests that candidates must pass to become an astronaut, she gave up on the idea.

“I’ve seen a centrifuge, a machine that runs on itself and filters are installed in it in turn. It didn’t motivate me at all. I prefer looking for Saturn: I want to see it with my own eyes, somewhere other than in the book Science and Earth Life,” explains the old girl 13 years old.

Like her, thousands of visitors are excited about this endeavor. In light of the crowds on these two days, the Burgundy Astronomy Society is already working on the 33rd edition of these nights. They are to be held next year.