Astronomy enthusiasts have an appointment, from Friday evening, with the Nuits des étoiles organized by the French Astronomical Association (AFA). According to Olivier Las Vergnas, president of the AFA, invited on Europe 1 Thursday, this 30th edition promises a beautiful show. 

Les Nuits des étoiles, an event organized by the French Astronomical Association (AFA), returns for a 30th edition on Friday evening, and until Sunday. These three days promise a beautiful spectacle for astronomy enthusiasts, who will be able to easily observe several planets, including Mars, Jupiter or even Venus, Olivier Las Vergnas, president of the AFA, explained Thursday on Europe 1. 

Jupiter "very bright"

According to him, this edition of Nuits des étoiles will be particularly enriching. Thanks to the good weather, "we will have a really very interesting sky at the level of the planets", he predicts. Indeed, all the planets of the solar system will be easily visible. The president of the association quotes Jupiter in particular, which will appear "at the beginning of the night" and which will be according to him "very bright". 

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It will then be the turn of Saturn to reveal itself, then Mars (around midnight) and the Moon. "If you have the courage to wait until late at night, you can enjoy the shooting stars and the even brighter planet Venus, which rises around 4 am", adds Olivier Las Vergnas. 

Easily observable planets 

Equipped with a pair of binoculars, it will be possible to admire Mercury "just before sunrise", warns the specialist. And no need to necessarily go to the top of an isolated mountain to enjoy the show. "Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and Venus will be visible from everywhere", he summarizes, even "in the city center". 

If you want to observe the sky at home, the AFA offers "star vigils": audios, videos, observation programs can be downloaded free of charge from the AFA website. At the same time, some 266 free events will be offered at various observation sites, particularly the AFA site.

# NDE2020 The nights of the stars, it's already this week! They will be held everywhere in France on August 7, 8 and 9, 2020. Visit https://t.co/OzNh7E6xTb to find the event closest to you! @ afastronomie @ cieletespacepic.twitter.com / FlS233QqDw

- CNES (@CNES) August 4, 2020

These nights will last until mid-August with the Perseids, the traditional meteor shower in August, which will light up the sky from August 10 to 15.