The Capétoiles association is organizing a festival to discover the starry sky and its assets.
The second edition of the astronomy festival is organized by the Capétoiles association, Saturday July 6 in Arvieu, from 2 p.m. to midnight.
Workshops will be led by astronomy enthusiasts (astronomers and researchers from Irap in Toulouse), such as:
A making of a water rocket as well as sky maps; a projection of a representation of the starry sky; a collection of lunar samples… This is a scenario where children, for example, will be dressed in lunar suits to get closer to lunar collection conditions. It’s an explanatory, fun, scientific workshop and that’s the spirit of the entire festival.
“What a way to leave with good memories!”
Thierry Limoge, director of the Capétoiles festival, insists on the fact that the approach through games and interactive discovery is the best way to raise public awareness.
Later, in partnership with Planète Sciences Occitanie, a demonstration of models of solar vehicles and lunar rovers will be presented. Also using two different telescopes, equipped with powerful filters, an observation of the surface of the sun will be possible as well as its lower atmosphere.
For children aged 4 to 7, a special activity entitled “The round of the planets” will take place in the Garden courtyard. In addition, there will be the possibility of finding handicrafts as well as 150 books based on astronomy, enough to leave with good memories!
Naturally, a refreshment bar will be present and will even serve a snack for those craving galactic food. At the end of the afternoon, an aperitif concert will take place with the “star-studded concert”piano and singing, on the theme of space. The meal, for which reservations will be required, will be prepared in partnership with Glandou.
At 9 p.m., Serge Chevrel, astronomer and planetologist from IRAP, will give a conference with a promising title “Return to the Moon: From Apollo to Artemis”followed by a question-and-answer period.
And finally at 10:30 p.m., after dark, facilitators will organize an observation time (stars, star clusters, and even galaxies, weather permitting) using four telescopes.
Please note that a permanent exhibition will be presented to display the poignant photos of Jean-François Graffand. Images that show the magnificence of creation through extraordinary landscapes, photographed in long exposure and at high sensitivity.
Obviously, such a day cannot be done without the essential help of volunteers and we should salute the work and involvement of these many people serving Capétoiles.
To conclude, Thierry Limoge and his team, all ardently passionate, hope that the day will be dense and rich, where they will share their secrets of the sky before it falls on our heads! The whole day (with all its activities) will only cost 5 euros and will be free for children under 5 years old. The entire village of Arvieu will be signposted and certain roads will be closed to traffic. Parking will be available at the village hall.
All information on www.capetoiles.fr and to reserve your meal: 06 85 25 12 45.
