Astronomy Days are returning to Luxembourg

Colour pictures of distant nebulae published on Instagram and TikTok have suddenly turned astronomy into a popular hobby among young people. That's according to Julien Laigle, science mediator and head of astronomy at the Luxembourg Science Centre in Differdange. He says "everyone wants to see coloured objects in the sky" - and it's hard not to believe that when you see the surge in teenagers' interest in stars, galaxies and black holes.

For four days - from 8 to 12 October - the Science Centre is hosting a mini-festival Astronomy Days, during which schoolchildren and families with children can not only observe the cosmos, but also look into the very essence of the Universe. And in comfortable conditions and during the day, without having to freeze outside at night with a telescope.

On weekdays, the programme is aimed at schoolchildren: science shows on the formation of stars and the structure of galaxies are held especially for them. On weekends, however, everyone is invited to participate. The centrepiece of the event promises to be the observation of the Sun through a special telescope. Laigle emphasises that it is dangerous to look at the Sun under normal conditions, but professional equipment will be used to ensure that it is not harmful to the eyes.

The special guest of the event on Sunday will be Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu, a Romanian astronaut who travelled to space in the early 1980s. He will talk about his mission and his personal experience of space flight. For many young guests, such a meeting can be a turning point - a rare opportunity to hear the story of space exploration from a man who has really gotten off the ground.

The festival continues on Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 18:00. Everything takes place in the interactive science centre, which in recent years has become one of Luxembourg's most vibrant educational venues.