Meeting with Jean Marie Lopez

What led you to the study of the heavens?

It's very simple: from a very young age, I was passionate about and drawn to astronomy. From the age of seven, I immersed myself in every book I could find on the subject. I had a desire to understand and learn how the sky was structured and what the starry sky meant. All of this was fueled by the support of a relative who was involved in astronomy. He practiced observing the sky a little with a telescope he had built himself, and sometimes he would take me out to explore the heavens with him.

My passion grew with age, and I acquired my first telescope upon entering the professional world. Over time, and with the desire to connect with other astronomy enthusiasts, I participated in the creation of the Montpellier Astronomical Society. The human, material, and financial resources we had were able to establish the Pises Astronomical Observatory, with the aim of contributing to scientific research, like many amateur astronomers. Since then, we have been conducting research programs in collaboration with professional astronomers on various topics, primarily asteroids, supernovae, exoplanets, and more. The Pises Observatory is also internationally recognized as International Astronomical Union Station No. 122 in France.

What do you think makes the Cévennes sky so special?

They are numerous; above all, it is a high-altitude territory, far removed from the problems of industrial pollution (fumes, dust, etc.) and urban concentrations that generate light pollution (lights from shopping centers, parking lots, streetlights, private lighting, etc.).

The Cévennes remain a vast and sparsely populated region compared to the coastal strip, and consequently, they experience less light pollution. Their average altitude also contributes to exceptionally clear skies, ideal for stargazing. All these factors combined make the Cévennes sky one of the most beautiful in France.

Do you think some initiatives could be taken locally to improve and continue to preserve the quality of this sky?

It is certain that the quality of the night sky can always be improved, depending on the location, through very precise measures such as switching off and reducing light intensity, which are obvious solutions. But another aspect of great importance is enforcing existing legislation and regulations, which are not being respected, especially in the private sector (advertising signs, shopping centers, parking lots, etc.).

But at this stage, we must think globally and therefore extend initiatives beyond the Cévennes region. I'm thinking in particular of the Mediterranean coast, from Nice to Perpignan, where light pollution reigns supreme in a catastrophic way. The recent creation of the Cévennes National Park's International Dark Sky Reserve (IDSR) is a very good thing, but it's a bit like a besieged fortress. We must therefore open up the discussion to the surrounding areas to create synergy that will lead to an overall improvement in the quality of the night sky in the south of France. Just consider that from the summit of Mont Aigoual, you can see the light dome of the city of Toulouse or Marseille…

Should we raise even more public awareness of the astronomical wealth of our territory?

For us amateur astronomers, this is fundamental, and all astronomy clubs participate in this effort. Through all public events such as the Nights of the Stars, Night Day, photographic exhibitions, conferences, symposia, etc., the issue of light pollution and the serious disruptions it causes to everything related to sky observation, as well as to nocturnal biodiversity, is always addressed. A protected sky means restored biodiversity, and it is essential to spread this message to a population that is all too often disconnected from the nocturnal environment in urban areas. And for those fortunate enough to live in the Cévennes region, it is important to make them understand, for example, that switching off streetlights between 23 p.m. and 6 a.m. is not a step backward, but rather a step forward that contributes to the protection of the starry sky and, above all, nocturnal species.

What are the attractions of the region for you?

There are many reasons for this: the beauty of its landscapes, the richness of its flora and fauna, and the much more intense marking of the seasons. I would add the richness of its culture and its inhabitants, with that authenticity so particular to the Cévennes.

Do you participate in any other activities in the area?

They are complementary and necessary for me, and there are many of them.
Over the years, I've discovered many iconic places and sites through hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. I've discovered and enjoyed numerous local products and witnessed the most vibrant moments of local culture and life, such as the summer pastures and transhumance. I've also participated in all kinds of sporting events, which have allowed me to immerse myself in and appreciate the diverse and delightful riches of this region, making it impossible not to fall under its spell.

Apart from Lake Pises, what are your other favorite spots for stargazing in the South Cévennes?

In short, the entire Cévennes sky remains an extraordinary spot for admiring the starry sky and the Milky Way in its entirety, as long as you are far from the urban lights of towns and villages. Whether you are at the summit of the massif, on the Causses plateaus, or in the valleys, you will always have a sky of exceptional quality, allowing you to observe and admire the most beautiful objects in the Universe.
This is why we have been regularly organizing one of the largest gatherings of amateur astronomers in the south of France for more than 10 years now, the famous Nuits du Causse Noir near the town of Lanuéjols.
Moreover, the participants, around 200 every year, are not mistaken, coming from all over France and even from abroad, their favorite comment is to tell us for some "I have never seen such a beautiful sky at home".