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The
Champ du Feu : a gem for observing the night sky in Alsace |
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The
Champ du Feu is one of the best astronomy observation sites in Northeast
France, attracting astronomers not only from the Alsace region (Bas-Rhin and
Haut-Rhin departments) but also from Lorraine, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium
and The Netherlands. This
highland site offers numerous advantages. First
of all, remember that the plain in Alsace is becoming less and less conducive
to observation. In the plain and particularly around the towns, only the
brightest planets are still visible (Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn) and
the same goes for the stars, which are disappearing at an alarming rate. Our
own galaxy, the Milky Way, can only be spotted here on rare occasions now. The
Champ du Feu is relatively isolated from the plain, and it is still possible
to see hundreds and even thousands of stars with the naked eye. Unlike the
plain, we can still observe what is known as the “deep sky” from here. Many
galaxies, nebula, etc. can be admired through a telescope. In
addition to the quality of the sky, the other advantages of the Champ du Feu
site are the following: ü Proximity to Strasbourg, making deep sky observation
accessible with only a 50 minute car journey; ü Totally clear 360° horizon (a rare occurrence in the
Vosges mountains, made possible by the plateau topography and the cord grass
vegetation); ü The stability of the soil, which is important for
precise positioning of the telescope and for astrophotography, ü A good car park large enough for the astronomers who
go there as well as the general public (who come regularly from the plain out
of curiosity to observe the objects in the sky with us); ü Given the altitude (almost 1100 metres),
there is the possibility of taking advantage of what we call a temperature
gradient inversion (sea of clouds effect), which, when the conditions are
right, can totally block the light pollution coming from the plain, ü This same temperature gradient inversion makes it
possible to observe a perfectly starry sky, while the plain is covered with
fog or low-lying cloud. These
advantages make the Champ du Feu quite unique.
Astronomy
has always been practiced on the Champ du Feu. The Alsace environment
agency’s objectives document drawn up in September 2012 as part of the
management of the nearby natural protected area, reminds us of the importance
of this site for astronomers. The
Champ du Feu site is a gem for observing the night sky in Alsace, and should
also be protected in this respect. Watch
this video about Champ du Feu : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ppQYhZsDf0 |
