**
Light pollution is on the rise in cities and towns that are overlit.
The cycle of day and night is disappearing, thereby affecting nocturnal biodiversity and the ability to observe the starry sky. Bourgon Castle, located in the forest, is shielded from this light pollution by a dense canopy of trees.
The sky’s luminance is close to 21, which provides excellent conditions for stargazing and astrophotography.On Wednesday, April 27, 2011, the Laval OPL traveled to the Château de Bourgon **: Participants arrived between 9:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.—about fifteen people, including six children. - We started with coffee and crêpes. - Setting up the “huge” “portable” telescope - Identifying the first stars for beginners: the Big Dipper, the North Star, Sirius, Cassiopeia, Betelgeuse… - Then we focused on Saturn and observed its rings: an unforgettable experience!
Explanation of the Virgin constellation. - Locating M51, M52, and M53 - Observing the triangle of stars below the Big Dipper, to the right toward the west. - Observation of the very colorful twin stars - Observation of the ISS passing clearly visible in the west above the “Communs” for several minutes before disappearing into the shadows in the east… and I’m sure I’m forgetting some things…In short, it was magical; the Laval astronomy group, led by Jérôme Galard, is very friendly.
I think the kids loved the place…and that they’ll have wonderful memories of it, too. \