Spooky Stars: astronomical observations in Saint-Barthélemy for Halloween

An observatory among the peaks

Located in the heart of the Aosta Valley, the village of Saint-Barthélemy represents one of the Italian locations with the least light pollution, an ideal condition for astronomical observation. The Astronomical and Planetary Observatory of Lignan stands out in this pristine alpine setting, offering a privileged position for exploring the firmament. The facility is not limited to scientific research, but serves as an excellent center for outreach, integrating the rigor of science with the storytelling of ancient myths related to the constellations.

Celebrating the mystery

On the evening of Saturday, October 31, 2026, the Observatory opens its doors for a themed event that combines astronomical culture with an autumnal atmosphere. The program begins with the show Spooky Stars – The Halloween Planetarium, an appointment aimed at illustrating the most unsettling aspects of the cosmos through the lenses of astrophysics and myth. The screening aims to analyze celestial objects with singular morphological configurations, framing them within the panorama of legends that have accompanied the observation of the night sky for centuries.

Observing the sky

Following the session in the Planetarium, the evening continues with a guided tour inside the Observatory. In this phase, the public has the opportunity to access professional instruments for direct observation of the deep sky. The experience allows for a deeper knowledge of autumn constellations, analyzing the stellar structure of the period. The event includes both naked-eye observation sessions, guided by the facility's experts, and telescope sessions, for a detailed analysis of nebulae and star clusters.

Participation details

The experience takes place in the time slot between 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM. Please note that, given the nature of the proposed content and the complexity of the scientific insights, participation is recommended for an audience over the age of 11. The activities take place entirely on-site, requiring a stay that alternates between moments indoors, inside the dome and the planetarium, and moments outdoors, where clothing suitable for autumnal mountain temperatures is recommended in order to enjoy the night observation in complete safety.