Description
Due to the high temperatures and dry ground conditions, the Prefect of Ain has issued an order prohibiting the use and parking of motor vehicles on unpaved roads from 30 July until further notice.
Whether you’re curious, passionate about astronomy, or visiting with family or friends, come enjoy a program packed with activities, lectures, and stargazing at one of the most beautiful observation sites in the Ain department.
The event is open to everyone and requires no reservation. Feel free to drop by, participate in the activities that interest you, and enjoy the atmosphere throughout the day and evening.
Starting in the afternoon, take part in free science workshops, chat with our guides, and discover the secrets of the universe. As night falls, let us guide you through the constellations before observing galaxies, star clusters, nebulae, and other celestial wonders through our telescopes and eVscopes.
On the program:
Friday, August 7, 2026:
From 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Free activities:
Throughout the afternoon, come discover astronomy in a fun and interactive way:
- Public discussion on CERN’s particle accelerator project: come learn about the project, share your thoughts, and give your opinion!
- Introduction to astronomical instruments: Learn to identify different types of telescopes and understand how they work.
- Mini-planetarium: Come explore the seasons using an ingenious model during a small-group activity.
- Common misconceptions in astronomy: Separate fact from fiction about planets, stars, black holes, and the seasons.
- The Sun, Our Star: Discover how it works, its activity, and its influence on our planet.
- Introduction to Stellarium Software: Learn to identify constellations and prepare for your future sky observations.
- Introduction to Astrophotography: See how amateur astronomers photograph the wonders of the deep sky.
- Planetarium Shows
Round out your visit with an immersive show under our digital dome.
On the agenda: exploring the night sky visible that very evening, locating constellations, and taking a journey through the major celestial objects.
Starting at 9:00 p.m. – Special Lecture
As part of the public debate on CERN’s particle accelerator project, we invite you to attend a lecture and discussion.
Come explore the challenges of fundamental research through a dialogue between two scientists—one in astronomy and one in particle physics. Drawing on their respective research tools, they will describe how they observe the invisible and push the boundaries of our understanding of the universe and matter.
Scientists from CERN will also be on hand to present their project.
This lecture is open to everyone and will be followed by a Q&A session with the audience.
From 10:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. – Sky Observations:
Once the night is dark enough, our guides will take you on a journey to explore the summer sky:
- identifying the major constellations with the naked eye;
- guided observations through a telescope;
- exploring the deep sky with the eVscope 1 and 2;
- live astrophotography demonstrations.
Saturday, August 8, 2026:
From 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Free activities
Check out the activities offered the day before:
- Introduction to astronomical instruments;
- Mini-planetarium;
- Workshop: “Common Misconceptions in Astronomy”;
- Introduction to the Sun;
- Introduction to the Stellarium software;
- Introduction to astrophotography.
The CERN booth will be open only on Friday.
Planetarium shows:
On the program: exploring the night sky visible that evening, identifying constellations, and a journey through the major celestial objects.
Starting at 9:00 PM – Lecture:
Eclipses: When the Sun, Earth, and Moon Align
Why have eclipses always fascinated us? How do they occur? Can they be predicted? Discover all the secrets of these exceptional celestial spectacles and get ready for the next visible eclipses.
From 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. – Grand Observation Night:
The evening will continue under the stars with:
- a guided tour of the summer sky;
- telescope observations;
- the discovery of galaxies, star clusters, nebulae, and other celestial objects using the eVscope 1 and 2;
- live astrophotography demonstrations.
