The Territorial Collectivity of Martinique, in partnership with the Specialized Astronomy Resource Center (CDSA) is hosting the « Night of the Stars », a national event organized annually since 1991 by the’ French Astronomy Association(A.F.A.).
On this occasion, the A.F.A. is asking amateur astronomy clubs to welcome the public to spend an evening under the stars with them.
The theme chosen for 2018 is «the planet Mars.» This was not chosen at random. In fact, the Red Planet was in opposition on July 27, 2018. At that time, it was at its closest distance to Earth—57.7 million kilometers. Although this phenomenon is not rare—it occurs every 26 months—the 2018 opposition stands out compared to previous ones over the last 15 years. It is similar to the 2003 opposition, which received extensive coverage in the press and on social media.
In Martinique, the Friday, August 3, starting at 3 p.m. At the CDST in Saint-Pierre, the CDSA (Specialized Astronomy Documentation Center) and the CDST (Earth Sciences Discovery Center), in collaboration with the Carbet des Sciences, invite the residents of Martinique and vacationers to discover:
· An exhibition on astronomy; ;
· The planetarium, featuring a film and an exploration of the night sky; ;
· At 6:30 p.m., presentations and videos about the planet, presented by the CDSA; ;
· Starting at 7:30 p.m., stargazing with the naked eye and through telescopes until 9:30 p.m.
Free admission. Children are welcome.
