The moon has been the subject of human fascination since the dawn of recorded history. Celebrated in epic poetry and sacred texts, spanning ancient mythology and modern physics, it has been the object of awe, worship, investigation, and analysis across every era of civilization. In La lune est un roman, astronomer Fatoumata Kebe tells us the story of the moon. The moon’s story, we learn, is also the story of the humans looking at, studying, rhapsodizing, and loving it. We have always looked at the same moon. Kebe demonstrates that our ways of looking at it, and writing about it, have not changed all that drastically, either.

About the speaker:

Fatoumata Kébé is a doctor of astronomy at Sorbonne Université. She researches the impact of space activities on astronomical observations, and how such activities contribute to pollution around the Earth. She is also working on “Connected Eco,” an entrepreneurial project for water preservation in the farming sector, and is the founder of the Éphémérides organization, which promotes the practice and teaching of astronomy among the public.

Important information: The discussion will be available both online and in person. While the conversation will happen in person (Kébé will appear in the Reading Room), the Library will stream the conversation on Zoom for a live viewing experience. Both in-person and online attendees will be able to pose questions.

This event requires advance registration.

Attendance at this event constitutes permission for your photograph or video to be taken at the event and used by the American Library in Paris for marketing, promotional, pedagogical, or other purposes.