Each year, the French Astronomical Association welcomes you free of charge in places suitable for observing the sky and the stars. All over France, events are offered to bring together all astronomy enthusiasts. On the occasion of this thirtieth edition, the Space Cityde Toulouse offers an evening under the stars on Friday August 7 from 7 p.m. to midnight. Free entry but on registration, this evening offers to observe Jupiter and Saturn through screens connected to astronomical glasses, to learn how to use a sky chart and to discover the summer constellations.
Many activities for young and old are offered: observation of Jupiter and Saturn at the Dome of the Astronomer, wandering waders, observation of the Sun and the sky continuously from 7 p.m. This summer meeting is the opportunity to have a good time under the stars. Other vigils are organized on Saturday August 8 and Sunday 9 to continue to observe the celestial vault. You can find the nearest observatories using the card offered by AFA.
The Night of the Stars at the Cité de l’Espace Toulouse this Friday!https://t.co/Aw0uXZm0Mv pic.twitter.com/jo5bDRMCCZ
– Toulouseblog.fr (@Toulouseblog) August 4, 2020
Already observable since July 17, the Perseids will reach their peak on the night of August 12 to 13 after 10 p.m., at sunset. This meteor swarm is actually made up of debris from an ancient planet. By coming into contact with the earth’s atmosphere, these small rocks offer a magnificent natural spectacle: shooting stars. Similar to a white trail, they will be easier to observe during these two days. You will be able to see between 70 and 110 stars scrolling before your eyes.
That day, around 3:30 a.m., a superb procession of planets, made up of Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, the Moon (our satellite, which is not a planet) and Venus, can also be observed from the southwest towards the North West.
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The head in the planets
Until August 31, you will be able to observe many planets with the naked eye. There will be no need for any material according to the scientific site Numerama. Mercury will only be visible from August 3 to 9 from 6:10 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. As for Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, they will be visible every day of the month. At a little more early hours, you will be able to see Venus at 3:50 a.m. and until 7 a.m., for the last week of August. If you look at the sky between midnight and 7 a.m., you should see Mars. Finally, Jupiter and Saturn will be visible at the same time from 8:50 p.m. until 4:20 a.m.
On Sunday August 9, Mars will meet the Moon at the end of the night. On Saturday August 15, a conjunction between the Moon and Venus is on the program. Friday, August 21 will offer an exceptional late morning because the Moon will pass to perigee, that is to say its closest distance from Earth at 10:58 am. It will only be 363,512 kilometers from us. Finally, Jupiter and Saturn will receive a visit from the Moon on Saturday, August 29.
How to observe the sky in the best conditions
To optimize your chances of seeing the stars, it is better to stay away from sources of light pollution such as urban lighting. The stars can be observed from 10 p.m., at nightfall. If the horizon is clear to the northwest, where the Sun sets, you won’t miss a thing. You can also use binoculars or a telescope as a supplement.
Via LaDepeche
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