Explor'Espace festival takes off in

Explor'Espace, it's...

-At least 20 unique gems from the lab to experience the sky and space.-Lectures by exceptional guests-Every day, fun workshops, round-table discussions and lectures open to all.-A festival accessible to the disabled-A vast treasure hunt, with prizes including a meteorite, entrance to Toulouse's Cité de l'Espace and a telescope.-Breathtaking virtual reality experiences.-A space bus for space escape games.-Unique shows

Gems from the lab to touch the sky and space!
Laboratories and observatories are overflowing with treasures: experiments for everyone to understand the Universe. Come and experience them in the company of leading researchers in astronomy, astrophysics and Earth science!

1. Fight space debrisCan you pilot a satellite while avoiding collisions with space debris? Orbital Danse will test your piloting skills while raising your awareness of the problem of space pollution.
_@CNES

2. See the world like a space telescope
Since its launch, the James Webb telescope has revealed images of the Universe of unparalleled precision. See for yourself as you contemplate the world around you in infrared, and compare the magnificent images of the same celestial object taken by Hubble and the James Webb!
_@CEA

3. watch a star explode
How do stars die? The laws of physics at work during the supernova explosion of a star are analogous to those that govern... the flow of water! Discover in just a few seconds, thanks to a fabulous “supernova fountain”, how the heart of a star collapses and how gravitational waves propagate during the cataclysm..._@CEA

4. Distort space-time yourself
Space-time, the fabric of our cosmos, warps under the influence of the stars, planets and galaxies that populate it. It sometimes twists so much that it produces a kind of cosmic wave known as a gravitational wave. It's these tiny, almost imperceptible ripples in space-time that the LISA instrument is designed to detect. To better understand the phenomenon, come and play at distorting space-time!_@CEA

5. Scan the martian surface
A scale model of the Perseverance rover will take you right to the heart of Martian exploration. Experts will present the latest scientific advances resulting from analyses of the Martian soil, including mineralogical composition, traces of past water and the conditions of habitability of the Red Planet. An exciting encounter between planetary geology and cutting-edge space technologies._{@Sorbonne Université}

6. Decipher the secret code of gamma-ray bursts
What is the origin of the mysterious gamma-ray bursts, ultra-high-energy radiation from the farthest reaches of the Universe? The Franco-Chinese SVOM mission must find out. Learn how to trace the source of one of these powerful bursts of light using the technique of the ECLAIR instrument on board SVOM. You'll feel like you're cracking a secret code...!_@CEA

7. Discover the Moon in the labYou're used to seeing the Moon in the sky, but do you really know it? Thanks to the Labo Lune offered by Toulouse's Cité de l'espace, you'll get a much better idea of its size, distance and phases by building an Earth-Moon model. You'll also understand why there's no sound on the Moon thanks to a vacuum bell, and you'll even be able to reproduce a boot print in regolith._{@Cité de l'espace}

8. Discover the secrets of a spacesuitYou're used to seeing the Moon in the sky, but do you really know it? Thanks to the Labo Lune offered by Toulouse's Cité de l'espace, you'll get a much better idea of its size, distance and phases by building an Earth-Moon model. You'll also understand why there's no sound on the Moon thanks to a vacuum bell, and you'll even be able to reproduce a boot print in regolith.

9. Contemplate a real rocketFROG, the reusable launcher demonstrator, a 2m-high vehicle regularly piloted by its designers
(CNES, IUT Cachan and association planète sciences)
will be installed in the Belfry. An opportunity to see a real rocket that has already flown!_@CNES

10. Design rockets like students do
Students at École Polytechnique's student space center are designing a whole arsenal of experimental rockets but also an innovative cubesat. Come and touch them and see how they work._{@Polytechnique}

11. Visit Ariane 6The new European rocket will be on display at Explor' in the form of a large, realistic model for you to admire.
_@CNES

12. Search for meteorites
Vigie-Ciel is a participatory science program that invites you to observe shooting stars and search for meteorites and impact craters. Get involved in this citizen initiative and, with the organizers, learn how to recognize a meteorite from a simple terrestrial stone.

13. Travel on Mars
With the help of a touch screen and the most beautiful images of Mars captured by space probes, travel to the Red Planet as if you were there._@CNES

14. Discover the violence of the universeWith a model of the CTA telescope array, discover how scientists are studying the Universe's most violent phenomena, such as supernovae and supermassive black holes. And find out how you, as an astronomy enthusiast, can play your part in studying these cosmic cataclysms._@CEA

15. Decipher the UniverseThanks to this fun, interactive activity, the universe will hold no secrets for you. You'll be free to ask any questions you may have about our cosmos._{@Invitez les étoiles}

16. Search for water on the MoonThe European Space Agency is preparing to send the Prospect probe to the Moon. With the help of a model, find out how the probe will search for water on our satellite, before the future Artemis astronauts set foot on it._@ESA

17. Play with plasmaDiscover the fourth state of matter, the strange plasma at work in our Sun, by taking part in a fun, interactive board games._{@Sorbonne université}

18. Measure the universeHow far away is the Moon? The Sun? The nearest galaxy? Play a board game to learn about distances in the universe._{@Observatoire de Paris}

19. Experience life as an aerospace studentBased in Paris and Toulouse, IPSA offers students a 5-year engineering course and a 3-year Bachelor's degree. Come and meet these apprentice space engineers. They'll tell you everything you need to know to make your space dreams come true._@IPSA

20. Visit MICROCOSMIC, the world of Adrien MalchArtist Philippe Collot pays tribute to the unique relationship between man and space with a poetic and meaningful exhibition. Exclusive to Explor'Espace, the artist will perform live sketches during the festival.

21.Design a space base as a teamDesign a collaborative lunar base using 3D printers at the Cité des Sciences Fablab_{@Cité des sciences}

22. Visit an astrophotography exhibitionOver the years, the Association Française d'Astronomie has developed an expertise in astrophotography. In this exhibition, you'll discover magnificent cosmic landscapes, historic shots of the conquest of space, and images from the winners of the “Stars of Astronomy” competition.

23.Touch the UniverseCan you explore the Solar System in ways other than sight? It's possible! In this workshop, planets become objects to touch, manipulate and compare. An original sensory experience, accessible to all, to understand the sizes, distances and textures of our cosmic neighbors. Another way of getting in touch with space._{@Observatoire de Paris}

24.The melody of starsStars vibrate like giant instruments. By listening to them, scientists can deduce their internal structure. This workshop explores these “stellar songs” through real star sounds, linked to a diagram used to classify their evolution. A simple, visual way to discover the science of stars.

25.Connect with astro fansDiscover Cosmio, an all-in-one astronomy platform that not only helps you prepare your night observations, but also shares and stores your images of the sky._@Cosmio

26.Decipher the SunWith the help of a table featuring almost 60 magnets, a dozen mini-games and windows to open, you can undress our sun and discover why it shines, what it's made of and its place in the Milky Way.@Les ingérables

27.Be a scientistDo your bit for scientific research! With the help of a robotic telescope, you can help detect planets, supernovae, comets, and even track down extraterrestrial intelligence!_@SkyMapper

28. Spacebus makes a stop at Explor'EspaceSpaceBus France goes from town to town to introduce you to astronomy through fun activities, all led by astronomy professionals (researchers, PhD students, engineers)! For Explor'Espace, it will be stopping off in front of the Montrouge Belfry.Come aboard a reconstructed space shuttle bound for Mars. On this long journey, not everything will go according to plan, jeopardizing your plans to travel to Mars. Your nerve will be put to the test! You'll need to react quickly and as a team to make it back to base alive!
_@CEA

Do you dream of driving a jeep to the Moon, or exploring the Solar System aboard a spaceship? At Explor'Espace, it's (almost) possible! We offer ultra-realistic immersive experiences, developed by scientists using data collected by spacecraft.

1. Trek in the solar systemStroll around Comet Chury and relive Philae's landing. Fly over the geysers and glaciers of Enceladus! Land on Titan. Walk around the Curiosity rover. Alone or in collaboration, travel through the Solar System in virtual reality._@Latmos

2. Drive on the MoonIn a full dome, immersed in a magnificent lunar landscape, step into the shoes of an Apollo astronaut and drive the lunar jeep. At the wheel of this mythical vehicle, you'll visit the valleys, mountains and seas of our satellite. Enjoy your trip!_@LMD

3. Board european rocketsDiscover the “island of rockets”, home to the rockets of yesterday, today and tomorrow, presented at
scale 1. With this experience, you'll contemplate Vega, Ariane 5 and Ariane 6 as if you were on board!_@CNES

4. Walk on the MoonMoon Desk will make you feel like an astronaut visiting the Moon!
This interactive tool offers extremely realistic visualization of planetary surfaces, with resolutions down to 0.5 meters. Even shadow effects are precisely calculated.
Enjoy your trip to our satellite!_@ESA

5. Destination PhobosProgram the MMX rover, which is due to land on the surface of Phobos, a small moon of Mars, and play with the gravity of this strange star!_@CNES

6. Dive into a black holeUnder a highly immersive dome, you'll plunge into a black hole via a high-resolution 4K film. Under the same ultra-high-tech dome, you can contemplate the starry vault and learn to recognize the constellations, guided by our expert animators._{@Universcience}

5. Destination PhobosProgram the MMX rover, which is due to land on the surface of Phobos, a small moon of Mars, and play with the gravity of this strange star!_@CNES

7.The Universe as you've never seen it beforeHave you ever wandered through a cluster of galaxies? In a solar storm? In the heart of a star? Using data from major space missions and theoretical work, French researchers have developed breathtaking numerical simulations. Contemplate them in virtual reality. You'll feel like you're sailing through the Galaxy..._@CEA

8. Embrace the universeExperience the immensity of the universe through virtual reality. Like a cosmic traveler, observe all the billions of galaxies in the universe, grouped into large structures. While you wait to put on your helmet, you'll be invited to piece together the puzzle of these great structures of the universe._{@Observatoire de Paris}

9. Listen to the sound of spaceIn the vacuum of space, there's no sound... but certain cosmic phenomena emit waves that can be transformed into sound. This immersive experience lets you listen to these vibrations from space, accompanied by synchronized videos. Each sequence is followed by an explanation of the phenomena heard. Audiences can even select images to generate live, personalized sonification._{@Observatoire de Paris}

10. Make art with plasmaA generative, interactive work lets you play with your reflection in the fourth state of matter: Plasma. An extraordinary scientific and artistic experience._{@Sorbonne Université}

Young, medium and old, come and get your fingers on the sky and space, in small groups, accompanied by enthusiastic experts.

1. Tourism on the MoonEveryone wants to go to the Moon. It's beautiful, it lights up the night and it's not far from us! But before you go, it's best to know where you're going and what it's like! As part of our vacation planning, let's see what there is to visit and where the first explorers have already been...

2. Cosmic board gamesSpace lovers, the intergalactically curious and cosmic gamers, hang on to your favorite stars, because AstroLudes returns to Explor'Espace. Come and explore the farthest reaches of the universe with captivating games that. AstroLudes are open to everyone aged 8 and over, including the deaf (LSF).

3. Astro magicsHave you ever seen two stars merge into one? A planet disappear? Come and discover the life of the stars thanks to the fantastic tricks performed by Louis, our cosmic magician.

4. Earth Moon and SunCome and understand the different movements of the Moon around the Earth and of the Earth around the Sun, thanks to a model that will help you get to grips with the whole merry-go-round.

5. Planets and their moonsDid you know that Earth isn't the only planet to have a moon? Some other planets in the Solar System have more than fifty! We invite you to come and discover all these strange worlds in the form of a game.

6. Moon phasesCome and discover why we always see the same side of the Moon, with life-size models and tests. You'll see that our satellite still has many surprises in store for us!

Explor'Espace also features cosmic shows for young and old! On the bill: artists and entertainers who tell the story of the sky... in their own way!

Hook up under the skyThe theme of amorous seduction is an excellent pretext for a light-hearted and humorous approach to various notions of astronomy (the seasons, the precession of the equinoxes, shooting stars...). For the duration of a date, the planetarium becomes the antechamber to the seventh heaven... A show from the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie planetarium, specially adapted for Explor'Espace on flat screens.

DJ sky, Galileo's partyGalileo has been under house arrest since his trial for heresy. Nevertheless, the planetarium is celebrating its 459th anniversary! Surprise guests include Cosimo II de Medici, Johannes Kepler and Urban VIII. For the duration of the show, the mediator becomes a DJ. His playlist becomes a pretext for evoking the discoveries and life of this great physicist, philosopher, mathematician and astronomer. A show from the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie planetarium, specially adapted for Explor'Espace's flat screen.

I wanted to be an astronautBecoming an astronaut: a childhood dream... that Cyril Garnier has never quite given up on. In this funny, touching and well-documented show, the comedian takes us into his fictional training for space. Physical tests, technical jargon, disappointments and cosmic dizziness: it's all there, with a healthy dose of self-mockery and a passion for the stars. A one-man show that's both hilarious and instructive, to keep your head in the stars without ever leaving your seat.

Astronomy of the strange, a show in which you are the heroWhat could be stranger than all these celestial gizmos and the people who study them? In this lecture-show, astronomer Yaël Nazé reveals some of the strangest mysteries of the science of the sky and its followers. What's special is that you choose the topics to be discussed, from among a wide range of slightly offbeat suggestions... You'll leave this plunge into cosmic strangeness with a smile on your face and on your brain. One thing's for sure: the universe never ceases to amaze!

Des AstresHe's an astronomy instructor. He knows the sky like the back of his hand. He has a mission: to save the Sun. Because yes, our star is going to go out. Not yet, but he's taking the initiative. In this funny and touching one-man show, a space enthusiast gradually falls into an unreasonable... and profoundly human quest. Des Astres is a singular show, combining humor, poetry and scientific wonder. A theatrical UFO that speaks of the cosmos and of us.

Embark on a celestial treasure hunt! Track down the clues associated with the moons and planets of the solar system scattered around the 10,000 m2 of the Beffroi de Montrouge, and gather key information by participating in certain laboratory nuggets. To be won: tickets to Toulouse's Cité de l'Espace, meteorites and a telescope!

We've invited a number of active ESA and NASA astronauts, as well as experienced former astronauts and renowned researchers, to give talks for the general public, free of charge and open to all.

Explor'Espace is also an opportunity to meet people involved in space, past and present, researchers, writers, astronauts and technicians who embody our fascination with the cosmos. Discover our program of meetings and testimonials:

Roland Lehoucq: The Universe as seen by science fictionHow about a trip into space... in the company of science fiction authors? Roland Lehoucq, an astrophysicist at the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) and an avid fan of geek culture, deciphers the visions of the cosmos in science fiction novels and films. Faster-than-light ships, distant planets, wormholes or extraterrestrial civilizations: what does science really say? And where does the imagination begin? An entertaining and erudite conference, exploring the stars at the frontier between fiction and reality.

Rosemary Coogan : How to become an astronautAn astrophysicist by training, Rosemary Coogan is one of Europe's newest astronauts. Selected from over 22,000 applicants, she is now preparing to join the International Space Station or the Moon one day. How do you become an astronaut? What tests do you have to pass? What's the training like? Between a childhood dream and scientific rigor, she'll share a behind-the-scenes look at an extraordinary profession, which she's about to experience from the inside.

Françoise Combes - The dark side of the universePresident of the Académie des Sciences and holder of the Chair of Astrophysics at the Collège de France, Françoise Combes explores the deepest mysteries of the Universe: the formation of galaxies, their evolution... and the enigmatic dark matter, the invisible component that shapes the structure of the cosmos. Where does it hide? How can we study it without seeing it? Answers from one of the leading voices in French astrophysics.

Matthias Mauer: Heading for the Moon with an ESA astronautAfter a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station, German astronaut Matthias Maurer is now preparing Europe's return to the Moon. In charge of the LUNA project, a unique training center that replicates the lunar landscape in Cologne, he will tell us about his spaceflight, but also about how astronauts are trained to live and work on the Moon. A fascinating encounter between the present in orbit and the lunar future.

David Elbaz : black holes at the origins of the cosmos ?Astrophysicist and Director of Research at CEA, David Elbaz takes us to the farthest reaches of time, where it all began. What if black holes weren't just star-devouring monsters, but the architects of the Universe? Drawing on the latest observations from the James Webb Space Telescope, he will explain how these extreme objects could have played a key role in the birth of galaxies. A dizzying lecture at the crossroads of mystery and cutting-edge science.

Patrick Michel : Asteroids : when the threat becomes real...
In March 2024, asteroid 2024 YR4 briefly worried the global scientific community. For a few days, the risk of an impact on Earth seemed credible. How was this alert detected? Who made the decisions? And how should we react if a real threat was confirmed? Patrick Michel, world specialist in asteroids, was at the heart of this episode. He gives us a behind-the-scenes account of the alert... before projecting us into the future, with the asteroid Apophis, which will graze the Earth in 2029. This will be the target of the RAMSES mission, an unprecedented science and prevention operation. A conference on the verge of a disaster movie - but very real.

Jean-François Clervoy : beeing an astronaut
French engineer, test pilot and European Space Agency astronaut Jean-François Clervoy took part in three missions aboard the American Space Shuttle. Through his professional eyes, he will recount the intensity of lift-off, the magic of the Earth seen from above, the precision of gestures in weightlessness, and the challenges of daily life at 400 kilometers altitude. An exceptional encounter with a passionate space explorer.

Caroline Freissinet : Is there life in the Solar System? A planetologist leads the investigationAn astrochemist at LATMOS, Caroline Freissinet tracks down clues to life on other worlds. As a member of the international Curiosity and ExoMars missions, she studies the organic molecules present on Mars and elsewhere in the Solar System. How can we spot traces of past or present life? Which are the most promising planets and moons? A captivating conference to discover how today's science is seeking to answer one of mankind's greatest questions.

Philippe Henarejos : The extraordinary adventure of the first lunar walkersBetween 1969 and 1972, twelve men walked on the Moon. In all, they spent more than 80 hours there. But what do we know about these explorations, which led them to cover dozens of kilometers on the surface of the night sky? Philippe Henarejos, editor-in-chief of Ciel & espace and a leading expert on the Apollo missions, will reveal these forgotten stories.

François Forget : Interplanetary traveler's guideFasten your seatbelts: planetologist François Forget takes you on a tour of the Solar System like you've never seen it before. Using the finest images gathered by space probes, he'll show you the dizzying landscapes of Mars, the volcanoes of Io, the underground oceans of Europa and the rings of Saturn. An immersive and poetic excursion, guided by one of the world's leading experts on the planets and moons in our cosmic neighborhood.

Philippe Perrin : The daily life of an extreme astronaut
Test pilot, engineer and astronaut Philippe Perrin took part in mission STS-111 aboard the shuttle Endeavour, including a spacewalk to repair the International Space Station. He will recount the demands of meticulous training, the rigor of gestures in space, and the intensity of a mission where every second counts. It's a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the astronaut's profession, with its mix of human adventure, cutting-edge technology and controlled risk-taking.

Guillaume Hébrard : Journey to Unknown WorldsAre there other Earths in the Universe? Guillaume Hébrard, an astrophysicist at the Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris, takes you on a fabulous journey to discover exoplanets: those distant worlds orbiting alien stars. Thanks to an immersive staging combining images, sound and narration, you'll explore hot planets, gas giants and perhaps... candidates for life. A lecture-show as captivating as it is funny.

Women in AstronomyWho discovered a record number of comets and asteroids? A woman. Who made it possible to understand how the population of stars is organized? A woman. Who discovered the law for surveying the Universe and found lighthouses in space? Again and again, a woman... And yet, when it comes to naming a “historic” astronomer at random, we most often think of men: Ptolemy, Galileo, Copernicus or Hubble. Far from any form of rabid feminism, Yaël Nazé will tell you the story of these women who count, in the landscape of cosmic exploration.

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