Under the stars with the GLAC : a summer dedicated to astronomy in the Ardennes

Summer is undoubtedly one of the best times to look up to the sky and rediscover the wonders of the Universe. The nights are mild, the observations more pleasant and the astronomical calendar particularly rich in events. For enthusiasts and the curious alike, the next few weeks promise to be exciting.

Among the celestial events not to be missed are July 30 and 31 with the peak of activity of the Delta Aquarids and the Alpha Capricornides, two swarms of meteors offering beautiful shooting stars.
On the night of August 3 to 4, you will be able to observe Saturn very close to the moon.
From August 7 to 14, the famous Perseids will in turn cross the night sky, with maximum activity expected on the night of August 12 to 13.
August 12 will also be marked by a total solar eclipse and the alignment of six planets: Saturn, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune.
And finally on August 28, the Sturgeon full moon will be accompanied by a partial lunar eclipse.

But to fully benefit from these phenomena, you still need to know where to look, when and under what conditions to observe. This is precisely the mission that the GLAC, THE Grivy Loisy Astronomie Club, located in the heart of the Ardennes.

THE GLAC : an association dedicated to the discovery of the sky

Created by an astronomy enthusiast, the GLAC brings together all those who wish to better understand the Universe and observe the riches of the night sky. Based in Grivy-Loisy, in the Vouzinois, the club welcomes both experienced amateur astronomers and beginners wishing to take their first steps in celestial observation. The objective of the association goes beyond simple stargazing.
THE GLAC aims to share knowledge related to astronomy through different activities. Members can thus participate in training, follow scientific news, discover the latest advances in the space field and discuss their common passion. The observation sessions are naturally one of the highlights of club life. They allow you to contemplate the planets of the solar system, star clusters, nebulae, distant galaxies as well as numerous deep sky objects.
Astrophotography also occupies an important place within the association, offering the possibility of immortalizing the celestial wonders visible from the Ardennes.

Observe the sky without owning your own equipment

One of the most common misconceptions about astronomy is that it requires expensive equipment. THE GLAC demonstrates on the contrary that this passion remains accessible to as many people as possible.

Members can indeed benefit from high-performance equipment made available by the association:

• A telescope Newton 200/800 F4 on EQ6 R PRO mount
• A telescope C8 F10
• A telescope Dobson 450/1900 F4.2

Thanks to these instruments, it becomes possible to precisely observe lunar craters, the cloud bands of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn or even celestial objects located several million light years from Earth.

This provision of equipment constitutes a real asset for people wishing to discover astronomy without immediately investing in their own equipment.

A passion that is shared

Beyond observations and technique, the GLAC is above all a place for meetings and exchanges. Astronomy is a discipline that naturally arouses curiosity and discussion. Each observation evening thus becomes an opportunity to share knowledge, discoveries and experiences.

At a time when the eye is often captured by screens, taking the time to observe the sky also allows us to reconnect with a natural spectacle accessible to all. Understanding the movement of the planets, recognizing the constellations or following the passage of a shower of shooting stars brings a new dimension to summer nights.

For residents of the Ardennes and neighboring territories, the GLAC thus represents a privileged gateway to the fascinating world of astronomy.

Join the GLAC

People wishing to discover the club's activities or join other enthusiasts can contact the association:

Association GLAC (Grivy Loisy Astronomie Club)
10 route de Mazagran
08400 GRIVY-LOISY

https://glac08.fr
+33 (0) 6 34 66 2 54
glacsudardennes@gmail.com

As Oscar Wilde recalled: “You should always aim for the moon, because even if you fail, you land in the stars. »

A quote that perfectly sums up the spirit of GLAC : learn, observe, share and never stop marveling at the immensity of the sky.