Lying 1000 metres above sea level, overlooking Saint-Louis, Les Makes’ astronomical observatory was founded in 1986, after the apparition of Halley's Comet. From this ideal position one can contemplate the Milky Way, penetrate into the mystery that surrounds us and discover the sky which curiously seems larger than in metropolitan France.

A visit is organised everyday at 9:30 am. It lasts about one and a half hours, sometimes longer depending on the visitors’ interest levels. It is highly recommended to book in advance...

Children are welcome, in particular for the daytime visit which gives a less abstract approach Bruno, a coordinator says: : « Children enjoy the sundial and seeing their shadows move. It can seem a bit long to them but the visit has been known to arouse some vocations.».

The permanent exhibition which has been focusing on Venus is about to change. It will deal with astronomy at the beginning of the seventeenth century. One will learn about the sun, not by directly observing it obviously, as this would harm one’s eyes, but thanks to a film. In another room, the tria Earth – Sun – Moon is presented together with full explanations about the solar system. In a room accomodating up to fifteen people another film is shown. It is really a mini-planetarium which allows one to find out about the position of the sky that coming evening.

Limited availability for nighttime visits

The nightime visit completes this original experience. It takes place every two nights during the school holidays and every fortnight the rest of the year. It is highly recommended to book well in advance. “We can’t accept everyoneas otherwise it becomes impossible to observe the stars in ideal conditions as we have only four objectives.”, admits Jimmy, another coordinator.

At 9pm, there is a slide show together with explanations about the different constellations – there are twelve of them, the Milky Way and globular clusters, some of which have been dead for 18,000 years, but can still just be observed with the naked eye. Sometimes Jupiter can be seen through a telescope. Classified as a ‘gas giant’, Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system. It has about thirty moons, although, most of the time, only three of them are visible.

The observatory: a key player in the development of the region

Due to its geographical position, near the Equator, the sky over Réunion Island has more constellations as a result of their close proximity to one another. But contrary to metropolitan France, the Pole Star is not visible as Réunion Island lacks 21° of latitude. The Southern Cross, which was discovered by sailors and was a useful landmark when sailing, shines almost right above our heads.

The main objectives of the observatory are to develop a scientific culture in Réunion Island and to take part in the opening up of the region allowing the tourists and locals to discover the beautiful village of Les Makes. Why not enjoy a daytime visit to la Fenêtre des Makes from where, on a clear day, one has a view over Cilaos, the three Salazes and the Piton des Neiges.


Text : Fanny Peroz - 2008