Les Rencontres Astronomiques du Pilat
Craponne sur Arzon (Haute Loire)

Retour page d'accueil

Qui sommes-nous?

A propos de Craponne sur Arzon

Archives des précédentes éditions

Questions/Réponses

Liens des Rappeurs

English Abstract

Nous Contacter

Les Rencontres Astronomiques du Pilat

Annual gathering on a national scale of amateur astronomers keen on sky watching

RAP ! Did you say RAP ?

   Our association was created on June 8th, 1998. Our aim is only to organize an annual meeting of amateur astronomers keen on observing the sky. Events of this kind, which are quite popular in the U.S.A., are almost unheard of in Europe. Sky watching, a mostly solitary pastime, benefits greatly from exchanges between participants and observations in common. Though in fact a large number of astronomical societies exist, our contacts with amateur astronomers throughout the country have made it clear that they wish for an efficient means of communication.

    Of course gatherings of amateur astronomers are organised here and there in France, but their themes are closer to theoretical and professional astronomy; besides the small number of participants doesn’t give them the means to reach our projected goal.

    American star parties can gather over a thousand amateurs on sites that have been selected to observe the sky in ideal conditions; over a dozen years these annual meetings have contributed to revolutionize amateur astronomy in a great many fields such as the equipment, the various technics and the contribution of amateur astronomy to science.

    French and European amateur astronomers are now ready to start their own revolution. Our ambition is to take part in it by organizing a meeting on a national scale. As the “Livradois-Forez regional park”, which isn’t too far from large towns and close to the main means of communication, offers a particularly pure sky it is an exceptional place to organize such an event.

    This event which will begin on Thursday May 5th 2005, Ascension day, will end on Sunday May 8 Th. It will take place in the « Haute-Loire departement » 70 km south-west of St-Etienne and 30 km north of Le Puy-en-Velay.
    We do hope to promote fruitful exchanges between participants on such topics as observations, projects, personal experience or skills. It will be interesting to compare telescopes, whether shop bought or made by their owners. It will be a unique opportunity to try a bino head, to see a motorised altazimutal mounting, to observe in very big scopes like a 32" motorised dob, the latest CCD cameras, or solar prominences. We wish to observe the sky together in the best conditions possible, to get acquainted with amateur astronomers and to make new friends.
 

These RAP’s will be tailored to what amateur astronomers want them to be. We invite you to propose topics for lectures and exhibitions. Bring along your friendly smile and equipment. This will make it possible to organize the festival and to keep it going.

THE SITE

There is camp-site – facilities include toilets , hot showers , and electric hook ups - in Craponne sur Arzon , a small village in the French countryside.

    During the day it will be an exhibition place devoted to the equipment brought by and for all the participants, thereby enabling them to discover new gear, talk about technical issues or swap tips and tricks.
    At night it will be a large observatory where it will be possible to share one’s passion with other observers or to watch the sky on one’s own.

    We are looking forwards to talks about observing the sky at night, the use of a CCD camera, how to preserve the darkness of the night, making instruments, the poetic aspect of star gazing...
It will be possible for those who will feel like it to bring their best drawings, their best photos and even their own panels Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if ever you want to make us share your experience or to display documents.

WHERE TO STAY

    It will be possible to pitch tents in the camp-site, but you may, also, go to to an inn, or to a guest house. We’ll see to it that a number of rooms are pre-booked with the local inn-keepers and we’ll give you their addresses. However it’s up to you to reserve the number of nights you want.
    You’ll be free to eat when you wish; nevertheless we’ll propose basic food supplies to tide you over till the morning.
    All sky watchers will be given a pitch near their cars and participants who want to leave before dusk will be located so as not to disturb those who will still be watching or taking photos.
    Every possible measure will be taken for everyone to observe in the best conditions.
 

THE PARTICIPANT DOSSIER

A dossier will be mailed to all the amateur astronomers who have joined. Inside you’ll find:
    - A map to the site
    - A map and leaflets of the area
    - A list of the accommodation available
    - A questionnaire to fill in to determine how much room you need on the site
    - The basic rules to get on with the other participants and the locals

On arrival you’ ll be provided with the rest of the file:
    - A map of the different places where events will be organised
    - The number and location of your own pitch on the site
    - A participant badge
    - More leaflets
    - The festival schedule
 

HOW TO BOOK

    You can book at any time up to 15 days before the event begins; however the sooner you join, the cheaper the fees will be. Early subscriptions will benefit from lower fees as they make the organisation easier.
    Your registration payment includes membership to the association, which is necessary to insure the participants, and entrance fees to the meeting. 

Membership is 24 euros (13 euros For those under 18); If you pay your dues before March 31 2005 you’ll be given a pitch free without extra charge, provided you confirm your arrival a full month before the festival starts. 

Between April 1st and April 30th the fees will rise to 28 euros (reduced fees 17 euros). 

Later subscriptions will be charged 31 euros (reduced fees 20 euros).

The money collected will be used only to finance the festival: renting the rooms, the marquees....
Fees do not depend on the length of your stay; if you can’t be there all four days, please let us know when you are likely to be with us so that there will be no mix up and your pitch won’t be given to someone who might arrive unexpectedly.
 

WHO WILL LOOK AFTER YOUR EQUIPMENT ?

       Every one is independent and responsible for their equipment; however, except during the day, sky-watchers only will be allowed on the site, and organisers will keep an eye on it.
    During the day someone will be at the entrance to the site, mostly in the morning when most of you will be fast asleep.
 

WEATHER CONDITIONS

        There is no need to point out the close link between sky watching and weather conditions; therefore the festival will last 4 days and 3 nights to ensure as many opportunities as possible for sky-watching.
    Bring along what you need to protect your own instruments; replacement activities will be proposed such as slide shows, videos, talks, and informal discussions under shelter will be possible in the marquees at our disposal.
 

MATERIAL ORGANISATION

    It will be strictly forbidden to drive into or out of the site during the astronomical night. Don’t forget your own torches to set up your equipment or pack it away.    You’ll find more details about the recommendations in your dossier.