Since 2011, professional astronomy, which constitutes one of the leading subjects (domaines d’intérêt majeur - DIM) of the Région Île-de-France, is built around a network of about twenty research laboratories , with the generic title « Astrophysics and the conditions for the emergence of life » (« Astrophysique et Conditions d’apparition de la Vie » - ACAV). In 2017, this professional research network, the only one of its kind, was enlarged to include 24 laboratories under the general title DIM ACAV+. It is coordinated by the Paris Observatory.
Astrophysics and the conditions for the emergence of life
A unique structure, it constitutes a world-wide reference on questions concerning the Universe, its history, its contents, and its evolution, as well as the emergence of life. Its purpose is to disseminate all the latest discoveries.
L’Astronomie se la raconte
Thus, in 2014, the francilian laboratories launched a project for the popularization of science : « Astronomical tales (L’Astronomie se la raconte) ».
Basing their work on advertising techniques, they designed a set of posters on 18 dominant research h subjects : the posters were intended to be mounted for two months in the Parisian metro and RER trains. A flashcode linked the travellers to a web site carrying information on all the subjects ; Lasting just a weekend, this manifestation terminated with a public exhibition on the Berges de Seine, together with the scientists themselves.
This exhibition was well received by the public and won the prix Cap’Com 2014.
To build on this success, the 18 exhibition posters have been recast into a lighter format, thanks to financial aid furnished by the Région Île-de-France ; they are currently available for loan in the form of kakemonos which can be hung up. The web site, brought up to date, carries still more pedagogical information.
How many exoplanets have now been discovered ? Why are the Earth and Mars so different ? What is going on inside stars ?... This new exhibition extends the other mobile exhibitions which the Paris Observatory furnishes freely to schools, médiathèques and societies (more details available).
The catalogue now includes 11 original exhibitions in a format which is easily transportable and and easy to set up :
- L’astronomie se la raconte
- Comètes : aux origines des systèmes planétaires
- Gaia. Le ciel en profondeur
- Le Système solaire
- Le Système solaire pour les scolaires
- Une brève histoire de l’Univers
- Cosmos, un cheminement jusqu’aux confins de l’Univers
- Hubble : un regard
- La météorologie spatiale
- Du Soleil à la Terre
- CoRoT - Les coulisses d’une mission spatiale
Created by the leading specialists from the Paris Observatory and other laboratories in the Ile-de-France, particular care has been taken to ensure the quality of the information in these exhibitions.
They are welcomed by not only teachers who wish to enhance the quality of their pedagogical projects, but also by groups wishing to enrich their cultural programs.
Regular borrowers include the Paléospace à Villers-sur-Mer, the Parc aux Étoiles à Triel-sur-Seine, the Lycée La Tournelle at La Garenne-Colombes, the Lycée Dupuy de Lôme at Lorient, the Collège Paul Bert at Cachan, the Cabourg school at Vanves, the Les Popines society at Rillé, la Mairie de Mellac, the Planète Sciences society and the Institut Médico Educatif F. Huon de Quimperlé.
The Paris Observatory extends its thanks for their trust.
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