An unprecedented operation of regional scientific culture

19 synergetically combined laboratories…

Under the heading of « Astrophysics and the conditions for the emergence of life » (« Astrophysique et conditions d’apparition de la vie » (ACAV)), a flagship research sector of the Région Île-de-France, 19 laboratories are working together in order to better understand the Universe. Coordinated by the Observatoire de Paris, this professional research platform includes about 1 700 persons. It has no equivalent elsewhere, and constitutes a worldwide reference on matters concerning the Universe, its history and its evolution, as well as on the emergence of life.
The clear objective of these 19 astronomical laboratories is to bring science to the citizen, to publicize their vast research potential, to make known the remarkable diversity of their research activities, and to highlight their progress in attacking the mysteries of the Universe. They have found an original way to share their knowledge as widely as possible, by organizing, from the 23rd of April to the 20th of May, an exhibition in the carriages of the Paris metro and the RER.

An exhibition in the carriages of the metro and the RER

What secrets will be revealed when the Rosetta space probe lands on a comet in the near future ?
How many exoplanets have been found to date ? Why, in spite of appearances, Mars and the Earth are in fact not so different from each other ?... All in all, 18 independent posters are distributed randomly at the ends of the carriages, in places usually occupied by advertisements. Each poster, designed for visual impact, addresses a specific topic in astrophysics, or on the conditions for the emergence of life.
Overall, the leitmotif of the exhibition is to stimulate the citizen. A slogan makes him think ; a short explanation enlightens him ; finally, a flashcode provides an opportunity to find out more with the help of a smartphone or a tablet. In fact, the posters are seconded by a web site www.lastronomieselaraconte.fr devoted to this initiative : or each subject treated, there is carefully crafted and richly illustrated pedagogical material.

A “happening” on the banks of the Seine

As the high point of the operation, a “happening” will be organized during the weekend of the 31st of May to the 1st of June, in Paris along the banks of the Seine, starting at the Port du Gros-Caillou. All the posters will be on display, accompanied by pedagogical material. And in addition, children will have the opportunity to participate in activities related to the dominant subjects in astrophysics. There will be something for everyone.
19 research laboratories of the DIM ACAV – Astrophysics and the conditions for the emergence of life - present the exhibition "L’ASTRONOMIE SE RACONTE"