All this is happening above our heads

Observational Instruments

The days are getting shorter, the temperatures are dropping. There's no doubt about it: Christmas is approaching. Children and grown-ups alike will soon be writing that famous letter to Santa Claus.
Some will have the brilliant idea of ordering a telescope, a chance to travel into space and escape from earthly worries.
With a little over 60 years of experience, may I offer some useful advice to these future astronomers? For years, I've organized practical evenings for the setup of telescopes sold by chain stores, whose salespeople, despite the inscription on the back of their T-shirts, are not necessarily experts in the field. What should you choose?
First of all, I'm clear: the most important thing in a refractor or telescope is its mount. It sounds strange, but that's how it is. Lightweight mounts, made of plastic or aluminum, should be avoided. We observe the sky OUTSIDE, therefore, exposed to the slightest breeze. If your instrument experiences even the slightest tremors, this refractor, this telescope, will soon end up in the back of the garage. Disgusted.

The Sky of Camerone

April 30, 1863. Camerone. It is the privileged moment when we feel the pulse of legionary solidarity. Across the earth, we share in the memory of these 63 men who, that day, inscribed in the most glorious pages of the French Army, their courage and respect for their given word. In all the regiments, in all the Veterans' Associations, we listen at attention to the account of this memorable battle.

What is the Sun?

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The Earth belongs to a large family: the Solar System. Read more...

WHAT IS THE NORTH STAR

I am always very surprised, during my evenings with the public, when I ask the names of the planets in our solar system, to find that the name of our brave Earth regularly comes last. That's just the way it is. No one is a prophet in their own country. Read more

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,... Read more

Why an article about the sky here?

Which Legionnaire has never looked up at the celestial vault, whether in the vast deserts of Africa, offshore on a Polynesian atoll, or simply far from any human presence?

Alone facing the sky, everyone has at one time or another wondered about the universe and the place of our "nanoplanet" in this infinity. Questions abound, answers are rare.

Sometimes, one of us, a little more versed in astronomy, would point out a few stars, and a small group would immediately form around him, eager for explanations. This shows how deeply this immensity speaks to us.

Our comrade and friend, Michel Gravereau, a former member of the Legion whom I met in 1983 at the 3rd REI in French Guiana, has been passionate about astronomy since childhood. I asked him to share his knowledge in a dedicated section on our website. He readily and enthusiastically accepted.

Thank you, Michel.

Louis Pérez Y Cid

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