Experience the magic of the Star Party in Saint-Barthélemy, the annual gathering of Italy’s astronomical community.
In the heart of the Saint-Barthélemy valley, one of the darkest and clearest skies in Northern Italy, certified as a Starlight Stellar Park and recognized by UNESCO enthusiasts and curious visitors come together for a unique experience among stars, planets, and galaxies.
During the Star Party, public lighting in the villages is switched off to provide even more spectacular observing conditions. Thanks to the waning Moon phase and, hopefully, clear skies, visitors can admire breathtaking celestial landscapes with the naked eye, through a telescope, or by means of astrophotography.
The program includes:
- Open-sky observations
- Immersive shows at the Planetarium
- Popular science talks
- Nighttime guided tours of the Astronomical Observatory
- An astronomy fair
For more information, visit the website of the Regional Astronomical Observatory.
Program
Main activities throughout the event
- Sky observation with personal equipment in dedicated observing areas equipped with electrical power.
- Guided night-time tours at the Astronomical Observatory of the Autonomous Region of Aosta Valley.
- Shows at the Planetarium of Lignan, featuring a 4K digital projection system.
- 11th Astronomical Science & Technology Expo, showcasing astronomical instruments and accessories.
- Astrophotography competition, with the award ceremony taking place on Sunday, September 13.
Friday, September 11
- Opening of the 34th Star Party.
- Beginning of observing activities and networking opportunities among amateur astronomers, astrophotographers and industry professionals.
- Guided tours and planetarium shows.
- Opening of the Expo.
Saturday, September 12
- Astronomical Drawing Competition for children aged 6 to 10, preceded by the show A Journey Through the Cosmos with Pepper.
- Observing activities, planetarium shows and Expo.
- Special event “The Sound of Graphite”:
- presentation of a new artwork by Aosta Valley artist Mathieu Gorelli;
- projection of the artwork onto the Planetarium dome;
- live musical performance by Fosco Zambon.
- Free admission subject to seating availability.
Sunday, September 13
- From 9:30 a.m.: opening of the new Space Games Library (Ludoteca spaziale), organized in collaboration with Aosta Iacta Est.
- From approximately 11:30 a.m.: travelling concert by the La Lyretta di Nus brass band.
- Closing Ceremony at the Planetarium:
- announcement and presentation of the winning images of the astrophotography competition;
- projection of the award-winning photographs onto the Planetarium dome.
Highlights
- Exceptionally dark skies thanks to the new moon phase and the temporary switch-off of public lighting across the area.
- Opportunities for visual observing, astrophotography and telescopic observation in one of the finest astronomical sites in northern Italy.
- The event will take place even in case of bad weather.
Note - this information is not directly connected to the Cammino Balteo path but it is part of the Aosta Valley tourist offer.