Astronomy
The starry sky, a passion to share
Aux Cinq Sens is an ideal place to sleep under the stars, in the heart of the Mont-Mégantic International Dark Sky Reserve. Located in the heart of nature, we have received the designation Friend of the Starry Sky for our exemplary lighting practices, a unique recognition in Quebec!
Our observation conditions are optimal for viewing the celestial vault, shooting stars, the Milky Way, planets and other wonders of the starry sky. Join us for our observation evenings with Benoit, co-host of the site and amateur astronomer for over 40 years, who tells the story of the sky with wonder, knowledge and passion!
To maximize the quality of your starry nights during your stay, check below for Benoit's recommendations and tips on the best observation dates based on moon phases and meteor showers!
The Phases of the Moon
Here is how to choose your stay dates at Aux Cinq Sens based on what you wish to observe:
To see the starry vault with the darkest possible sky in order to best distinguish the Milky Way and perhaps see shooting stars, choose the period from 8 days before a new moon up to 4 days after it.
To see the moon in all its dazzling clarity, which is impressive in a dark sky preserve, choose the period from 3 days before a full moon up to 3 days after it.
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January 18
February 17
March 18
April 17
May 16
June 14
July 14
August 12
September 10
October 10
November 9
December 10
January 7, 2027
February 6, 2027
March 8, 2027 -
January 3
February 1
March 3
April 1
May 1
May 31
June 29
July 29
August 28
September 26
October 26
November 24
December 23
January 22, 2027
February 20, 2027
March 22, 2027
Meteor showers
The Perseids are a fascinating spectacle not to be missed around August 12 each year. However, it is not the only meteor shower visible in the sky! Several other showers occur throughout the year. For good observations, the moon must not interfere with its great brightness.
The list of the main meteor showers is found below with: the activity period, the peak of visibility, and an indication of whether conditions are optimal at the peak with a thumbs up 👍 (the moon does not interfere), or a thumbs down 👎 (the moon hinders observation). For conditions outside the activity peak, refer to the moon phase chart higher up on this page.
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✨ Lyrids
→ April 16 to 25
→ Peak: night of April 22 to 23 ✨ Eta Aquarids
→ April 19 to May 28
→ Peak: night of May 5 to 6 👎 -
✨ Southern Delta Aquariids
→ July 12 to August 23
→ Peak: night of July 29 to 30 ✨ Perseids
→ July 17 to August 24
→ Peak: night of August 12 to 13 -
✨ Draconids
→ October 2 to November 7
→ Peak: night of October 21 to 22 ✨ Orionids
→ October 6 to 10
→ Peak: night of October 8 to 9 ✨ Geminids
→ December 4 to 17
→ Peak: night of December 13 to 14 -
✨ Quadrantids
→ December 28 to January 12
→ Peak: night of January 3 to 4
How to book a stargazing evening
The stargazing activity is selected when booking your lodginglodging campsite, during the options selection stage. The evening under the stars, led by Benoit, lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and is entitled "The Sky as Told."
You can book directly using the shortcuts below.
Lodging 4 seasons
Yarha · Yahndawa · Ehta · Yourte
Three-season Lodging and camping
Other activity options
To discover our other on-site and nearby activities, explore the page dedicated to them.
