In the countryside south of Jeu-les-Bois, the observatory of the Indre Astronomical Association is revealed at the bend of a path. “Here, before, it was a career,” indicates Jean-Luc Levant, vice-president of the association, opening the door to the observatory, the only one in the department.
Inside, after climbing a few steps, a telescope appears, installed for over thirty-five years. Entirely made of wood, it allows, thanks to a set of mirrors, to reach stars invisible to the naked eye. “We observe the galaxies, the planets. You can even see comets. » The observatory, mounted on a rail, allows its telescope directed by two discs to target a particular part of the sky.
With the arrival of computers, shooting, previously done on film, was made easier. “We put the camera on the telescope and control our shots directly from the computer,” explains Jean-Luc Levant.
The Jeu-les-Bois site was chosen for its low light pollution.
© (Photo NR, Benjamin Abgrall)
Popularize astronomy
Although it is mainly used by the few members of the association, the observatory is also a place for exchanges and sharing. The place welcomes the public several times a year. “We try to do one observation in the spring, another in the fall, and we also participate in the Night of the Stars. Some come with their equipment and stay the night in the grass, observing the sky.”
Photo of the start of construction, taken in 1984.
© (Photo Indre Astronomical Association)
The opportunity to introduce the place to curious people passing through, but also to locals. “Sometimes, visitors tell me that they have lived in Indre for forty years and do not know of the existence of the observatory. »
For Jean-Luc, this public interest in space has continued to increase since the media coverage of Thomas Pesquet. “He popularized the space, it opened a lot of doors. People see that we don’t just watch uninteresting things. » The photos of the “deep sky” are shared on the association’s website.
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An astronomy enthusiast at the birth of the project
Daniel Lachaud, president of the Indre Astronomical Association, is behind the creation of the observatory. A passion he has had since childhood. “When I was 10, a neighbor had a telescope and showed me Saturn with its rings. The virus happened like that. Then, I did astronomy alone in my corner. And one day, I published an article in The New Republic to look for people interested in astronomy to create a club. »
In 1984, once the association was created and the land purchased from the municipality, construction of the observatory began. Its inauguration took place four years later, in 1988. “We did everything ourselves. My father, who was a carpenter, made the mold for the dome. For my part, I made the plans for the observatory. » Nearly fifteen people participated in the construction of the building. In 2024, there are still as many of them within the association to keep the passion for astronomy alive.
