THE MONT-MÉGANTIC OBSERVATORY - OBSERVATOIRE DU MONT-MÉGANTIC

The Mont-Mégantic Observatory has been in existence since 1978 and is certified as an "International Dark Sky Reserve". It is located in Mont-Mégantic National Park, near Sherbrooke, Quebec, about 250 km from Montreal and Quebec City. It was designed from the outset to promote astronomy at the university level, but also to popularize astronomy among the general public. It has a large diameter telescope, 1.6 m in diameter, the 4th largest in Canada after those of the David Dunlap Observatories, Victoria Federal Astrophysics and Rothney Astrophysics. The project of its construction was launched in 1971 by Professors Gilles Beaudet and George Michaud of the Université de Montréal, later joined by Laval University in Quebec City. Work began in 1976 and was completed two years later. His main research interests include the study of galaxy structure and specific stars. Always at the forefront of technology, in 1991 it became the first observatory in the country to use an infrared camera! It is noteworthy that in 2008, astronomers from the observatory were the first to photograph several planets orbiting a star other than our Sun, about 130 light years from Earth, using a technique developed and tested at Mont-Mégantic. In addition to the observatory, the ASTROLab in Mont-Mégantic was also built in 1996, an astronomical centre - still in operation today - offering interactive exhibitions, a high-definition cinema, and organizing "open house" evenings, as well as other activities during which visitors can, for example, access the 1.6-m telescope during the day. Today, the site is highly appreciated by tourists and nature lovers who spend time there, winter and summer, hiking to its summit (1,100 m). The activities proposed are numerous and enticing.... In addition to the classic daytime visit of the ASTROLab, there are also afternoon visits to the observatory (with access to the inside of the dome), but also astronomy evenings (with explanations on celestial mechanics as a preamble, before going on to the actual observations), observation evenings in the telescope of the popular observatory located not far from the main observatory (it is equipped with a 610 mm diameter telescope allowing you to admire sumptuous images of the main celestial objects), or packages combining astronomical observations and night snowshoeing with torches! All these activities are programmed according to the weather conditions in particular, so it is imperative to take a quick look at the observatory's website to find out in detail the dates, times, prices and programmes of the celebrations. Last but not least, every year in July, the Festival d'astronomie populaire takes place on the site. During 6 days and 6 nights a copious programme of particularly interesting activities is set up: observations in various instruments including the 1.6 m telescope (a unique opportunity to take the view!), night walks (if the weather conditions allow it), exhibitions, conferences, various workshops, etc. Admission to be booked before coming.