2023-08-11 08:33:31
More than 530 events, 411 cities involved and 344 different organizing structures… The first figures for the 33rd edition of the Night of the Stars, scheduled from Friday August 11 to Sunday August 13, delight Olivier Las Vergnas, President of the French Astronomical Association (AFA), co-founder of this event: “We are exploding the usual figures! »Appeared in 1991 on television, this event is taking place again this year, free of charge throughout France to observe the sky, between connoisseurs and amateurs.
In 2022, more than 180,000 people moved. Over the past few years, these numbers have steadily increased. The “Thomas Pesquet” effect has something to do with it. The arrival on the media scene of the astronaut, who fascinates the French so much, has brought to light the spatial and astronomical issues. Having become essential in the country, it has “made people want to be more interested in these subjects”continues Clément Busty, member of the AFA.
But other factors also play : “after the Covid, people wanted to go out, to be surrounded”, begins Clément Busty, member of the AFA. Next, stronger communication “European and international agencies on their missions” sparked the“increasing interest” of the public for astronomy and space.
This new Night of the Stars is placed under the sign of celestial dust. A little nod to the first edition – thirty-two years ago -, then centered on shooting stars, who are dust, explains Olivier Las Vergnas. This year, we are also interested in all the others. » They are found on the floors of planets, such as the Moon, surround planets, like the rings of Saturn. Outside the solar system, they are observed between and around the stars, et “even between galaxies”, extends the president.
Inform and raise awareness about light pollution
However, these dusts have long been considered as “a nuisance for those who do not want to observe them”, notes Olivier La Marle, head of the sciences of the universe program at the National Center for Space Studies (Cnes), during a press conference. They limit visibility, prevent certain observations.
In recent years, however, they have finally attracted attention and their study is developing. “Several missions have been launched to bring them back, as they are relatively simple to study and provide important information”explains Clément Busty.
What to dream of young and old? “The idea is to share the pleasure and the interest of looking at the sky”, says Olivier Las Vergnas. But also, to raise awareness of the protection of the night sky, damaged by the light pollution of large cities and by that produced by the thousands of satellites placed in orbit each year.
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