13 August 2026 – Night of the Stars 2026
13 August 2026 – Night of the Stars 2026
From toFREE EVENT – NO BOOKING REQUIRED
The Night of the Stars returns to the Euro Space CenterNight of the Stars 2026: a cosmic evening at the Euro Space Center
The Euro Space Center invites you to a brand-new edition of the Night of the Stars. Join us in August, at the peak of the Perseid meteor shower—one of the most spectacular astronomical events of the year, with up to 100 meteors per hour streaking across the summer sky.
What's new in 2026
Talks- "Journey to the Heart of Unknown Worlds" – Vincent Jacques
Discover the fascinating world of meteorites. At first, they may seem like nothing more than ordinary rocks... By the end of the talk, you'll see them as fragments of distant worlds.
Vincent Jacques will guide you through the incredible story of these "rocks from space", from meteorites that have fallen close to home to some of the rarest and most extraordinary specimens, preserved since the earliest moments of our Solar System. A captivating journey into the origins of our Universe.
- "Planet Mars" – Yannick Willame
- "Does Anyone Understand Quantum Mechanics?" – Yves Caudano
Evening programme
- Solar observation – Safely observe the Sun's surface through specially equipped solar telescopes.
- Spectroscope Workshop (ages 6+) – Discover the signatures of light.
- Star Map Workshop (ages 8+) – Build your own rotating star chart.
- 3D Constellation Workshop (ages 4+) – Create a glowing constellation to take home.
- Sundial Workshop (ages 6+) – Learn to tell the time using shadows.
- Mars Base Workshop (ages 6+) – Imagine what life on the Red Planet could be like.
- Sun in Your Hand Workshop (ages 6+) – Paint your own Sun and make it shine like a real star!
- FM Radio Receiver Workshop (ages 9+) – Build your own radio receiver.
- Pulsar Hunt (ages 6+) – Search for the five neutron stars hidden throughout the site!
Throughout the evening
(Schedules will be announced on site.)
- Live Planetarium Shows – Explore constellations, planets and nebulae with expert commentary.
- Myths & Constellations Storytelling – by Iota Gaganas (ages 4+).
Astronomical highlights not to be missed
- The Perseids :The Perseid meteor shower is active throughout the evening and during the first part of the night, reaching its peak around 12 August. Tiny particles left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle enter Earth's atmosphere at speeds exceeding 50 km/s, creating long, bright streaks of light—sometimes even spectacular fireballs.
- The Milky Way :Before midnight, the Milky Way appears as a luminous band stretching from east to west across the sky, providing ideal conditions for spotting nebulae and star clusters.
- The Summer Triangle :The famous Summer Triangle, formed by Vega (Lyra), Deneb (Cygnus) and Altair (Aquila), dominates the night sky as darkness falls, making it an excellent guide for finding your way around the heavens.
This year: exceptionally favourable observing conditions
The Night of the Stars 2026 will benefit from outstanding observing conditions. The Moon will be in its New Moon phase, making it virtually invisible in the night sky. Without moonlight, the conditions will be ideal for observing the Perseid meteor shower, the Milky Way, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies.
Entertainment & activities
- Astronomy clubs – Guided observations and inspiring discussions with passionate amateur astronomers.
- Face painting – Space-themed face painting for all ages.
- Balloon artist – Take home an original balloon creation inspired by space.
- Live music on Sun Square – A festive atmosphere guaranteed.
- And much more...
Food & drinks
The Voyager Café remains open throughout the evening, serving hot drinks, snacks and sweet treats—perfect for recharging between moments of wonder beneath the stars.
Ready to look up?
Join us and experience an unforgettable Night of the Stars 2026 at the Euro Space Center!
