For two nights, astronomy enthusiasts will be able to observe the sky to discover planets, the Milky Way and perhaps shooting stars. Accessible to all, this event could eventually encounter certain observation problems.
The Marseillaise: What will amateur astronomers be able to observe during these two evenings?
Michel Marcelin: By looking through binoculars or telescopes, they will be able to see the stars, the Milky Way, certain planets and with a little luck shooting stars. In itself, there is nothing special to see in the sky this weekend, it is just an action to let people experience astronomy. We will observe the same things that are present all summer. But given that the meteor shower takes place on the night of August 12 or 13, the Nights of the Stars takes place this weekend. The only thing to really see is the planetary conjunction on the night of the 9th. A planetary conjunction is called when two planets are located close to each other. Sunday it will take place between the Moon and Mars.
Besides Mars, will other planets be visible?
MM: Yes, Saturn and Jupiter will be visible. The first is one of the brightest planets and the second has a yellowish appearance, which is what differentiates them. They will be observable from the beginning of the night, it is enough only to look towards the South-East. The planet Mars will be visible in the second part of the night. It is easily recognizable with its orange glow. In addition to these three planets, people will be able to enjoy the Summer Triangle, a triangle-shaped asterism formed by 3 of the brightest stars.
Thanks to the heat wave and the mistral, the nights will be clear, the conditions ideal for observation?
MM: In the region, we often have good conditions for astronomy. Since there is always a little air, the sky is often clear. The only problem is that there must not be too much mistral either, otherwise the telescopes are not stable. These conditions make us one of the best regions in terms of observation and that’s why the Observatoire de Haute-Provence is one of the largest in France.
Can light pollution spoil these Star Nights and prevent seeing clearly in the sky?
MM: It’s a real problem. To observe the stars at best, you have to move away from large cities. For example, if we ever try to observe the sky, here in Marseille we won’t even see the Milky Way. We really have to make people aware of this problem. From the observatory, we can see the luminosity of the cities of Aix and Marseille, it’s a real shame, because we don’t take full advantage of the sky and what it can offer us.
Is the presence of a number of satellites detrimental to the observation ?
MM: Satellites can become a problem for observation from Earth. From the observatory, when you take pictures, you can see traces of light from satellites orbiting our planet. Even if at the beginning, they helped development through communication and GPS, one day we will have to ask ourselves the question of regulations so that we can continue to observe the sky in the best conditions.
–
