Astrotourism, sky is the limit

Put your astronaut combination on, let us take off our rocket into space... and we will take you with us!

When you travel, necessarily, the idea is to discover a place we don’t know. Tradition, culture, gastronomy... Everything gives good reasons to leave, because the human being is curious in nature. Besides, nature, let’s talk about it. First of all, we imagine nature as wild green forests, where the cries of animals are a joyous and terrifying melody. Or, we can imagine large rocky cliffs, indomitated and shaken by the incessant floods of angry oceans. But nature is not just about that.

Let us return to the first moments of the universe, and let us go to the conquest of heaven. Like astronauts, travellers can now take a ticket for space. But keep us from any avant-garde, we are talking here about astronomical tourism, not a ticket to Mars with stopover on the Moon. It may soon be the case, within a few decades.

But in the meantime, let us escape with the dreams that are within our reach, and make reality for our eyes and spirit.

Counting the stars is now possible!

You certainly wonder what astrology is, and you are right. It is not very democratized, but a tendency to return to our own origins makes it a little more popular every year. It is in fact tourist stays totally turned towards astronomy.

Like onotourism, where wine tasting, wine visiting and the primary learning of the winemaking process are the focus, astronomical tourism aims to familiarize you with the other world, the one that literally surrounds us: space. All the universe awaits you, between comets and constellations, clouds of cosmic dust and black holes. It is the opposite of the decor, the other face of our life, finally, because each cosmic object is a luminous witness in this immense void that is space, which bears its name very well.

Just like during the theme stays, astrotourisms want to impact. And for cause! They lift up the mysterious veil that separates you from heaven, it’s not nothing. You observe, learn and escape between the billions of stars that cut the black carpet above you.

No tasting, no travel in space. It is a matter of taking the time to observe, understand and appreciate what shines above you. A lot of questions that guides and speakers can not always answer.

The RICE label

In the world, labels, there are hundreds or even thousands. All work to preserve something: quality, know-how, for example. Here, as far as we are concerned, the RICE label represents private or public spaces that allow the starry sky to be observed in a very concrete way. Indeed, this label means Reserve International de Ciel Étoilé. It was established to protect these sites from which one could almost see the background of the Universe.

However, beyond the common belief, there is not only the natural darkness of the region that comes into consideration. And because of this, the value of starry sky appreciation is very important in the application of the RICE label. Indeed, it must be recognized and shared by the region where the label applies that the starry sky has a particular value, both scientifically and culturally or educationally. Especially when the screens always absorb us a little more.

To summarize, the indication of the RICE label guarantees a certain quality of the night sky and the protection of the space under and around it.

Imagine your head in the stars...

Despite what might be believed, astronomical tourism is not reserved only to scholarly travellers. No need to be an astronomy, the whole thing is to appreciate the immensity of the starry sky. In short, it is not complicated, and anyway, when you see what the sky reserves you, you will not be able to leave it from your eyes. Stars, constellations, or planets wait wisely, floating in a very mysterious cosmic vacuum.

And mystery. If many researchers observe, calculate, study and work to find answers to all their questions, astronomy is an area that keeps for it its greatest secrets. Today, we are able to respond briefly to questions that have arisen several centuries ago! However, it does not prevent it from taking a monster pleasure to observe the sky when the sun escapes.

You find yourself facing the whole universe, or almost, and then have to find your place. This is the reason for astronomy. Travel is made to live new experiences, discover places, live sensations still unknown. Astrotourism, it, highlights (and it is a combination) your ability to observe, think and relativize.

This is also the joy of astronomy, because you will surely learn a lot about space but also about yourself. You will lose all notions of time, daily life or what bothers you. Delivered to yourself, in front of the dark, starry sky, scattered with bright or solid objects that the sun decides, or not, to unveil you...

Finally, it may be that, the origin of the expression “having head in the stars”.

Evade and observe the sky!

If it is obvious that you can quite evade yourself to the cosmic heavens from your balcony or garden, there are today services that allow you to link the journey to discovery. Thus, in the world, many places are conducive to cosmic discovery as part of an organized journey. It would then be a shame to deprive yourself of such pleasure, wouldn’t it?

The observations found in France

France is not last on the list of countries that have night observatories. Let us remember that to observe the sky, it is only enough to find a zone without light, a clear sky and the tower is played. But note that we have at our disposal three areas with the RICE label (as mentioned earlier in this article):

• The Mercantour in the Alpes-Maritimes and the Hautes-Alpes;
• The Cévenne National Park in Lozère;
• And the Pic du Midi in the Hautes-Pyrénées.

Three sites where an exceptional, extremely pure and private sky of any artificial light is guaranteed. It is an opportunity to visit the regions to which these sites belong the day, but also and above all, to raise your head at night!

And places like these, there are also everywhere in the country and in the world. Although not all of them are necessarily labelled, they are, for the most part, detour, retardation and observation.

For example, if we had to stay in French territory, we should not pass next to Saint-Michel Astronomy Centre , in Haute-Provence. It offers evenings and events dedicated to the observation of the sky and its stars. Equipped with powerful telescopes, this centre puts scientific culture within reach of all. It is a great idea to deepen his knowledge, increase his curiosity and that of the youngest.

In the department of Haute-Garonne, also find the Observatory of Bélesta In Bélesta-en-Lauragais. It is the result of the efforts of 5 amateur astronomers, who worked in the 1990s for the development of their passion in France. They are at the head of the Association for Amateur Development of a Great Observation Instrument (ADAGIO), which still organizes open-ended observation evenings today.

And elsewhere in the world?

Of course, France is not the only country in which you can observe the sky. Astrotourism is an international concept, and some places lend themselves better than others. So if you have the opportunity, go to South America! Due to its impressive topology, the continent is an extremely suitable place for night observation.

Along the Cordillera of the Andes, especially, or in the heart of the deserts of the country, such as the Atacama Desert Chile. His situation, the quality of the sky, and the presence of an observatory make this desert one of the very high places of modern astronomy.

Exceptionally well equipped, thanks to very powerful telescopes and measuring instruments, you can discover its impeccable sky two weekends per month Also, it is important to specify that there is another observatory, held by a recognized professional French astronomer: Alain Maury. It is possible, and nevertheless highly recommended, to book in advance the evenings (dispensed in French).

Norther, United States and Canada They're not left. During a journey where you could discover these wonderful countries, sit under their heavens. L’ Astrolab of Mont-Mégantic National Park , in Quebec, is well-known in the world of connoisseurs.

On the American side, you must absolutely go to the ALMA Observatory , says Golden Nugget, located in Las Vegas at almost 5,000 meters altitude. In addition to being particularly close to the stars, many of the privileged who had the chance to observe nebulaes strongly recommend it.

Otherwise on the continent across, in Africa, there is obviously the Moroccan desert which is also a destination to practice astronomy, especially in Ouarzazate. In fact, there are stays organized for this purpose, with as an added value the discovery of the desert in itself.

The night at the star: live it otherwise

From the beginning of this article, we speak of astronomicalism as a mirific flight to the stars, their stars, their comets and other beautiful nebula. But finally, what can you really expect if you decide to let yourself be tempted by astronomy? What sensations can you live?

But also, what does one night look like to the beautiful star, framed by experts and whose universe is the only limit?

Travel otherwise

Because it is not just about lifting your head, marvelling and falling asleep stars full of eyes. On the contrary, in addition to landscapes – as a result, aliens – unheard, you will be able to learn more about space, its formation, its components and its history! Astrotourism exists to make this immense intergalactic void accessible and yet well known. It is too common to hear that astronomical data is reserved for an elite who studied it for years.

That is all the opposite. Today, the will of this passionate community is to make the discovery possible, at any age. The vocations are sometimes discovered very soon, let us not forget it.

The idea to frame the discovery of astronomy in a stay was born of these enthusiasts who travel around the globe in search of strong sensations... while keeping feet on earth, because here it is not about extreme sports. The sensations are strong, especially for the mind, because as we have already mentioned, it is very stimulated during a space observation. And for cause, your very condition of being human, tiny human being, living on planet Earth, itself grain of sand on the beach that the whole universe represents.

It’s not a bad thing to do. Children will be offered the opportunity to learn and, more importantly, to understand what is happening above their heads.

Synthesis of an astrotourism evening

Let's say that this year, you decided to visit France, its campaign but especially its sky. Your heart has hung, for example, for Haute-Garonne, in Occitania . It is a culturally rich land, but above all it has the Bélesta Observatory in Bélesta-en-Lauragais.

So besides planning a few light evenings of astronomical science, you will have the wonderful opportunity to visit the surroundings and discover the must-sees of Occitania. A real swell. Anyway. Whatever happens, your experience will take place in the evening, for obvious reasons. No interest in observing space when the sun illuminates it and offers us its beloved sky blue!

Once dressed, or not, it is according to the season, your warm clothes, you will have the opportunity to dive into space, guided by a professional or amateur expert. In any case, someone who is passionate about space and teaching it. The Universe, its phenomena and its laws, nothing will have secrets for you. I mean, maybe a little. Let's admit it in one evening or two, impossible to know everything. You will go to the essentials.

The equipment (especially telescopes) will already be well set to make you discover the most beautiful space parts: planets, stars, entire constellation or comets...

And finally, according to the observatories, you can close your dream evening around a hot drink, by attending and attending a question and answer session. Curiosity is therefore an essential asset to practice astronomy!

Heaven! My journey into space!

In conclusion, we can only recommend astronomical tourism to people that the Universe intrigue. This is not something evident for everyone, astronomy being a fairly pointed domain. However, if it attracts you, you are passionate, but you do not know much about it, go on!

Obviously, there may be things that you will not understand, but the guides and other participants (if any) are kind and there so that everyone can have a good time. So don’t hesitate.

In a few years...

In a few decades, you can really talk about travel in space, an even greater definition of astronomical tourism. The news and technological advances of the first twenty years of the twentieth century prove that the interstellar journey is soon possible.

For the moment thought at a perfectly irrational cost, these trips in space will take you to the Moon, or Mars perhaps? Who knows, technology begins to catch up with the imagination! Already that expeditions without return are imagined at the dawn of our century, imagine them in 50 years!