WHAT IS THE SKY

Let me introduce myself, my name is Michel Gravereau. From 1981 to 1998, I had the immense Honor of serving in the ranks of the Legion, successively in the 4th as EV section leader, in the 3rd as section leader and BP leader, at the creation of the 6th REG in BP, at the head of the ECS of the DLEM, then again in the 4th before going under the burning sun of Africa to serve the magnificent Phalange and ending up at the Mother House in Aubagne. Rubbing shoulders with and helping the legionnaires on a daily basis certainly represents the Holy Grail of an officer's career.

Today, reminiscing over these wonderful memories, how could I refuse Christian Morisot and Louis Perez Y Cid the opportunity to participate in this new and wonderful adventure of the Légion Arts website, by publishing a few articles on my passion, astronomy, which has accompanied me throughout my life. But what to talk about? The subject is so vast. So, putting down on paper what could become a guiding thread, I found myself faced with an endless list. A colossal task. It's just that in the south of France, we're a bit talkative. As Marcel Pagnol said: he's like the drummer of Cassis; two sous to start, but five francs to stop.
To talk about all this, I'd need at least 15 years. 15 years is enough to do this hard job. Hey, that rings a bell...
So, before reaching a canonical age, let's sign an initial 5-year contract. After that, we'll see.

Since man has been on Earth, he has constantly turned his gaze towards the sky. Contemplating the splendors of the celestial vault, wondering about the possibilities of other forms of life, choosing his clothing whether clouds or blue sky, believing in spiritual powers hidden in the depths of the Universe, reading divinatory messages by taking into account the positions of the stars, Sun, planets. We have all at one time had our gaze drawn towards the canopy of our bed that is the sky.

In primary school, we learn that different “objects” populate the sky, such as stars, planets, comets, galaxies, etc.

Even at a very young age, in catechism, we are still confronted with the importance of the sky. Wasn't it a "star" that guided the Magi? And don't soldiers, in their need for direction, find salvation in the North Star? And many other little things? Who hasn't heard that the Sun rises in the East, at noon it is in the South, and sets in the West? But is it really true? And for the Legionnaire who runs all over the Earth, Northern and Southern hemispheres, won't he do a 180° turn during a CO or worse, a march for a rendezvous with his destiny?
Failing to take into account the presence of the Moon in the sky during a night of infiltration or landing can become unfortunate. I have witnessed it.
In the past, I wrote a short treatise on the military applications of astronomy. Today, I have to share these memories and my modest knowledge in this field. Having created the association "Ciel, mon ami" 20 years ago,

Dedicated to organizing and hosting evenings of observation and discussion under the stars, it is with great pleasure that I will come to this newly created site to talk about this great enigma that dances above our heads, the sky, with its still-buried mysteries, its already-unveiled values. Demystify some certainties, put the church back at the center of the village.
I will take this opportunity to update the list of astronomical events visible in the evening, in the morning, for the coming week. Where to find the planets,

watch for the International Space Station to pass by. Realize that you don't need an expensive telescope to admire magnificent celestial objects, star clusters, galaxies, nebulae. Sometimes, your eyes are enough; a simple pair of binoculars is an exciting start.
And little by little, we will revise our knowledge of this beautiful, great, and ancient science that is astronomy.
I look forward to taking you by the arm and encouraging you to turn your gaze toward this celestial vault from which messages will reach you. But these will be messages of peace, reverie, and above all, humility. And God knows, right now, we need them.