Festival of the 2 Universes

Festival of the 2 Universes: eyes turned to the sky in Bourbon-Lancy

In the heart of Bourbon-Lancy, a charming spa town in the south of Saône-et-Loire, a festival like no other invites you to look up at the stars. Created in 2024 by the Astro-Club Bourbonnien (ACB), the Festival of the 2 Universes is an event dedicated to scientific outreach and the discovery of astronomy, open to all audiences.

Two Universes, One Passion

The name of the festival evokes the meeting between two worlds: that of the Earth and that of the cosmos. This duality is reflected in the program, which combines high-level scientific conferences and public events accessible to all ages. The ambition is clear: to make science exciting and accessible, to awaken curiosity, and to inspire vocations.

A Rich and Varied Program

Each edition of the Festival of the 2 Universes offers a remarkable range of activities:

• Conferences led by renowned astrophysicists and academics, such as Pierre Léna (member of the Academy of Sciences) and Dominique Proust (astrophysicist, patron of the festival)
• Planetarium sessions to travel among the stars
• Night observations with telescopes using various instruments
• Tethered hot air balloon rides to discover the region from the sky
• Drone demonstrations and technological presentations
• The Spatiobus from CNES, a traveling space exhibition
• Booths from astronomy associations, radio amateurs, and telescope manufacturers

Bourbon-Lancy: A Spa Town Turned Towards the Stars

Bourbon-Lancy offers an ideal setting for astronomical observation. This small town of character, known for its thermal waters since the Gallo-Roman era, benefits from a preserved environment conducive to observing the night sky. The festival takes place at the Complexe Marc Gouthéraut and the nautical base, offering vast spaces for outdoor activities and observations.

The Astro-Club Bourbonnien: Committed Enthusiasts

Behind the Festival of the 2 Universes, the Astro-Club Bourbonnien, chaired by Thierry Roig, is a dynamic association that works throughout the year to promote astronomy. The club regularly organizes observation evenings and is working to create an observatory and an astronomy school in Bourbon-Lancy.