Fête de la Science 2024 at Paris Observatory: astronomy on the Meudon campus (92)

Published by Margot de Sortiraparis, Graziella de Sortiraparis · Published on September 5, 2024 at 11:29 a.m.
From October 4 to 14, the Fête de la Science will be raising public awareness of the work of researchers through activities, debates, screenings, exhibitions... This year, the Observatoire de Paris - PSL is taking part, offering an exclusive tour of the Meudon campus on the theme of the solar system.

The Fête de la Science is the general public's rendezvous with science. For this new edition of the event from October 4 to 14, 2024, many workshops, festivals, exhibitions and visits will be on offer. With a program that's 100% free and accessible to the youngest from 3 years old, the Fête de la Science is for everyone.

As with every year, the 33rd edition of the Fête de la Science is organized around a theme of its own, "The Ocean of Knowledge". During the 10 days of programming, researchers will be raising public and school awareness of a wide range of scientific subjects, including astronomy, biology and archaeology, through exciting fun activities. All the more reason to expand your knowledge!

TheObservatoire de Meudon was created in the 19th century as a place dedicated to astrophysics, a science that had been little studied until then. Attached to the Paris Observatory in 1927, it is known for its terraces, from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of Paris, and is also a green space located in the Domaine national de Meudon. For the Fête de la Science, the Observatoire is offering tours open to all from October 10 to 12, 2024.

Réouverture du toit de la Grande Arche de La DéfenseRéouverture du toit de la Grande Arche de La DéfenseRéouverture du toit de la Grande Arche de La DéfenseRéouverture du toit de la Grande Arche de La Défense Fête de la Science 2024: the program for the event in Hauts-de-Seine (92)
For the Fête de la Science, which this year takes place from October 4 to 14, 2024, Hauts-de-Seine is offering a whole host of activities and events for everyone, in numerous establishments in towns across the département. Click here for the program! [Read more]

The Fête de la Science program at the Observatoire de Paris - PSL, Meudon campus:

  • Welcome to Astronomy
    October 10 - 12

    Get away from it all in an astronomical environment on the heights of Meudon, and enjoy a variety of free activities designed by astronomers, for enthusiasts and families alike.
    In search of water in the Universe
    Water is everywhere on Earth, but it is also present in various forms throughout the Solar System. On the Moon and Mercury, it is found as ice in polar craters. Even on Venus, where the surface temperature is several hundred degrees Celsius, there are traces of water vapor in the atmosphere. Mars, on the other hand, has atmospheric water vapour, as well as two polar ice caps and underground reserves of water ice. In the distant past, we know that liquid water even flowed on its surface, with an ocean that has now disappeared, probably comparable in size to the Atlantic! Comets, Pluto and the satellites of giant planets are mainly composed of ice. And of these, only five have oceans beneath their icy surfaces: Europa and Ganymede, moons of Jupiter, and Enceladus and Titan, moons of Saturn. The last known to date is Mimas, a satellite of Saturn, whose existence was revealed in 2024 by... a scientific team from Paris Observatory - PSL!

    In short, whether you're into surfing or scuba diving, there's something for everyone in the Solar System!
    And, of course, the big question is: since water is so present, what about life on all these celestial objects? Does liquid water necessarily mean bacteria, plankton and white whales?
    On the "Solar System on a Scale" walking tour of the Meudon campus, researchers from Observatoire de Paris - PSL will be presenting the latest discoveries on water in the Universe to school classes and the general public, in a fun and enthusiastic way, as well as the methods and instruments used for this purpose!
    So get ready to take the plunge: it's time to take the plunge!

    Thursday, October 10 and Friday, October 11 are reserved for school classes booked in advance by teachers.
    Saturday 12th is open to all, with a free booking required, at the following link: https: //www.billetweb.fr/bienvenue-en-astronomie-2024 (ticketing will be activated in September)
    All tours include a visit to an observation instrument and educational workshops, led by our scientists. Three departures: 12pm, 2pm or 4pm. Duration: 1h30

    The different itineraries are identified on the booking site. It will not be possible to make changes once a reservation has been made. You will be assigned a group number that cannot be changed.
    Please note that it will not be possible to visit everything, nor to take part in all workshops.
    Most of our activities are accessible to people with reduced mobility, but not all. We apologize for any inconvenience.
    Any delay will prevent you from taking part in your visit. Please allow plenty of time for your arrival.



Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From October 10, 2024 to October 12, 2024

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    5, place Jules Janssen
    92190 Meudon

    Route planner

    Prices
    Free

    Official website
    www.fetedelascience.fr

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