2023-11-03 18:15:45
On the Pic du Midi terrace, amateurs scan the sky with the naked eye or with small telescopes. Cyril Entzmann / Divergence
REPORTAGE – At an altitude of 2876 meters, the Pyrenean observatory maintains its scientific activity thanks to the income provided by visitors.
Special correspondent at the Pic du Midi
It’s 7:30 a.m., the first light of day is peeking above the mountains. In the immaculate sky, black gradually gives way to red, yellow and orange. Like every morning at the summit of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, only one question arises on the lips of the spectators: will we see the green ray? This very particular flash of light which appears when the Sun goes beyond the horizon. Higher in the sky, Venus and a very thin crescent Moon fade as brightness increases. It is difficult to know whether these suspended moments belong to the scientific or poetic world.
Situated at an altitude of 2,876 meters, the Pic du Midi Observatory is a lookout for a changing world. On the surrounding mountains, glaciers are becoming rarer. Professionals are worried about the upcoming ski seasons. “ The peak is not an observatorycorrects Nicolas Bourgeois, the deputy director of the site. It’s a scientific station. HAS…
This article is reserved for subscribers. You have 90% left to discover.
Do you want to read more?
Unlock all items immediately.
Already subscribed? Log in
#Pic #Midi #tourism #astronomys #ally