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Stargazing within the reach of toddlers
Theoretically, August is the best month to admire shooting stars as there are so many of them at that time. Exceptionally this year, the event is held at the end of July. The show should still be magnificent. Of course, to optimize your chances, it is better to choose a place in the middle of nature, far from the lights of the city. Don’t forget to bring deckchairs and blankets. On the other hand, there is no need to equip yourself with a telescope or binoculars: if the sky is clear, you can very well examine the stars with the naked eye.
The ideal time for any observation is around midnight. So, for your child, it is the occasion of a first leave of midnight, precisely! You just need to be patient and make a wish when the shooting star pops up! In the middle of the night, it is also the ideal moment to tell beautiful stories: many legends of mythology are linked to the constellations: Pegasus the winged horse, Perseus …
Discover the daytime stars
The “Nights of the stars”, organized by astronomy clubs, provide day extensions! Many places of reception receive amateurs during the day, and offer to watch the Sun in complete safety. And we even thought of the youngest, with the Nuits des étoiles Juniors, which organize observations and workshops (day and night) for children and their parents. Amateur astronomers will introduce you to observation and tell you about the fabulous life of the planets. Each reception area offers a different program.
The discovery of the stars: ideal in the age of big questions
Between 5 and 7 years old, children ask themselves all the great existential questions. They are particularly inspired by the observation of the sky. “But where does the sun go when it goes down?” “” At the end of the Earth, do we fall? “Are there other planets with people on them?” “. We can bet that you will not have all of his questions answered! But this is precisely the opportunity to philosophize together on these enigmas. And for your child, to feel, for once, like his parents: very small in front of the immensity of the universe.
To know more. After all, an astronomy enthusiast is a curious person who began by observing the stars, often very young, and who wanted to know more. Take it to the Planetarium, in Paris, or to the Cité de l’Espace, in Toulouse. These are great places for kids (and their parents) to find answers to all their questions. Impossible to be insensitive to the charm of the celestial vault. And for a little one, the schedule is still easier than in the middle of the night! Also think about the Open Days of the Observatory in your region (during Heritage Days, for example).