Will the “comet of the century” be visible from Quimper on Saturday October 12?

Saturday October 12 will be held the 16th edition of the national event “Le jour de la nuit”, initiated by the Agir pour l’environnement association. This event takes place throughout France to raise awareness among the general public about light pollution and the protection of nocturnal biodiversity and the starry sky.

In Quimper, the operation is organized by the Loar Gann astronomy association, in partnership with the town hall. Organized for the second time at Créac’h Gwen, “Le jour de la nuit” will allow curious people and astronomy enthusiasts to observe the Moon, Saturn (and its rings) as well as the southern constellations (in certain areas) thanks to to several telescopes which will be made available. André Herry, president of Loar Gann, still invites people to come with his twins.

This year, this event is particularly timely, since the comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, described as the “comet of the century”, will be observable if weather conditions permit (clear sky). The association is also considering organizing an observation of the comet around the 13th, but for the moment the date remains to be confirmed, “this will be decided at the last moment”, indicates André Herry, as astronomy remains dependent on the weather report.

For reducing nighttime lighting

The Loar Gann association was created in 1990, it has more than 75 members of all ages. “We organize observations in Coray, this avoids light pollution in the city, courses for children aged 8 to 12 and training,” underlines Christiane Piton, former president of the association.

The association advocates for a reduction in public lighting. Some municipalities are becoming aware of environmental concerns, such as Le Juch which has received the label of “star village” thanks to majority LED lighting and turning off the lights at night. Quimper is not left out either since on its outskirts public lighting is cut off between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Practical

“Le jour de la nuit”, Saturday October 12, from 8 p.m., at the Créac’h Gwen nautical center, free.