Introduction to Astronomy

Workshop Workshop Leisure, Science and Technology
August 27, 2026 – August 30, 2026Villar-d'Arène - Lautaret Garden
Astronomy discovery evenings and solar observation workshops led by passionate researchers and astronomers from the Grenoble Institute of Planetology and Astrophysics (IPAG)

Stargazing evenings

Thursday, August 27, through Sunday, August 30, from 9:30 p.m. to midnight.
Meet in front of the garden’s visitor center
Free admission. Open to all.

From the naked eye to the telescope, via binoculars, with our heads in the stars

If you've ever wondered what those red headlamps in sporting goods stores are for, here's a real-life example!
If you have one, along with a pair of binoculars, don’t forget to bring them along for this stargazing event, held in an exceptional location free from light pollution.
After describing the main celestial objects and constellations visible to the naked eye, and learning how to navigate the night sky, we’ll visit Mars and Venus before they disappear below the horizon as deep night falls. Then, using various telescopes, we’ll observe the area around the Sun to understand the life and death of stars. An extraordinary evening of exclusive discussions with researchers to talk about astronomy under the night sky...

Astronomy Discovery Evenings

Don't forget to dress warmly. The jardin du Lautaret located at an altitude of 2,100 meters, and nights can get very chilly. Bring a thermos.
In case of persistent cloud cover, the discovery evening will still take place. Scientists from IPAG will guide you through a digital exploration of the night sky and discuss their various fields of work with you.


Julien Milli and Fabien Malbet of IPAG

Sun-watching workshops

Saturday, August 29, and Sunday, August 30, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Meet at the garden’s reception desk
Free. Open to all.
Please note: this event does not grant access to the garden afterward; you will need to purchase an admission ticket if you wish to visit.

Finally being able to look at the sun!

Everyone knows that the sun is too bright to look at with the naked eye!
Finally, discover the surface of the Sun with in-depth explanations. Using instruments specially designed for solar observation (telescopes, solar scopes, spectrometers, etc.), as well as spectacular real-time images (from the SOHO satellite, etc.), visitors will be able to safely explore our impressive star!

In case of bad weather, the workshop will be canceled and you will be notified (which is why it’s important to provide your contact information on the registration form)
 

IPAG

The Grenoble Institute of Planetology and Astrophysics is one of the main laboratories of the Grenoble Observatory of Universe Sciences (OSUG). Its research topics range from the solar system to the distant universe, using approaches that combine laboratory measurements, high-performance computing, astronomical observation, and state-of-the-art instrumentation. About fifteen scientists from IPAG will be at Lautaret to lead these astronomy discovery evenings and solar observation workshops.
Published on April 3, 2026
Updated on April 3, 2026