Night of the Stars: At the Heart of Solar System Exploration Missions

A lecture by astrophysicist Patrick Michel on major solar system exploration missions. A deep dive into the space discoveries of tomorrow, followed by a book signing. Free admission.

The coming years promise to be full of spectacular space adventures. Numerous missions to explore the solar system are either in development or already underway to discover asteroids, small moons, and planets. Several of these missions are led by or directly involve Patrick Michel, an astrophysicist originally from Saint-Tropez.

Designed as a series, this lecture will present—in the chronological order in which they will take place—the extraordinary space missions that the public will hear about in the media over the coming months and years. It will provide a better understanding of their scientific objectives and future findings.
A few weeks after the Japanese Hayabusa2 mission flies by an asteroid and before the launch of the MMX mission to Phobos, one of Mars’ moons, the audience will also learn about the Hera mission to the asteroid Didymos and the BepiColombo mission to Mercury. These scientific and human adventures will be illustrated by exceptional images and videos, accompanied by anecdotes and discoveries that will shape space exploration through at least 2035.

Patrick Michel, research director at the CNRS – Nice Observatory, professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo, and a world-renowned asteroid specialist, will share his experience at the heart of these international missions in which he is actively involved.

Following the lecture, a book-signing session will be held for the public, as part of the event’s program.

Friday 7 August 2026 from 6.30 pm.

Free access.