Before the September 7 eclipse: Incredible photos by Var astrophotographer Flobeau in La Croix-Valmer

Var astrophotographer Flobeau announces it by giving valuable advice: " Sunday evening, from 8 p.m. and for about two hours, we will witness a lunar eclipse .

Our satellite will glow a deep red, visible to the naked eye from our home - without any special equipment, unlike solar eclipses which require special glasses.

The ideal is to set up on the beach, if possible with binoculars. Of course, you will need to count on good weather, without clouds."

But who is Flobeau? If you don't know him personally, you've probably already seen some of his photographs.

At the request of the City's cultural department, he has been exhibiting around thirty outdoor photographs since April 23 – for Starry Sky Week – in the city center and around the beaches.

Some images evoke the sea, but the vast majority pay homage to the sky.

A member of the international Dark Sky association , Flobeau is passionate about the night and a fervent defender of the fight against light pollution.

Suitable lighting

For him, "constellations, nebulae and interstellar dust enhance our coastal landscapes.

However, urban lights prevent us from fully contemplating them and have an impact on wildlife, particularly disrupting the flight of butterflies and bats.

Municipalities need to adopt smart lighting: warmer lights, activated only when pedestrians pass by, as is already the case on the path between the police station and the stadium."

Regarding one of his exhibited photos, he explains: "From August 10 to 13, 2024, I spent three whole nights between the three capes – Lardier, Camarat and Taillat – to capture the arch of the Milky Way and around fifty shooting stars that I then brought together in a single photo, as well as a small aurora borealis."

In October, Flobeau will hold a conference at the Voli Hall to share his passion.

In the meantime, let's take the time to admire his photos, particularly in front of the entrance to the Constantin Forum and the town hall.