In 1973, Jacque Pelletier and Émilien Dufour, two passionate of astronomy, questionned: "Why don't we develop an observation site, a place where astronomy can be vulgarized throughout Temiscouata?".

Jacques Pelletier owns a land in Saint-Louis-du-Ha!Ha! In 1975, he moves an old house there. It will be their observation site. Damien Dufour, who is the representative for East Québec de la Société royale d'astronomie du Canada , inspects the ground and confirms that the chosen place is perfect for an observation with the telescope.

It's the beginning of a long adventure. The two accomplices search for sponsors. They find two allies in the region. The place is fixed. The "Corporation de l'Observatoire, du Témiscouata inc." is created. Many people get involved in the project: community work during construction, subscription campaigns, creation of a scientific committee, elaborate animation programs by young people from the region.

On July 6th 1982, during the longest lunar eclypse, since the beginning of the century in North America, the public can finally have access to the telescope Celeston 35 cm. The night of the official opening for the observatory, around 400 people joined Jacques Pelletier to observe the beautiful eclypse.

Since, the centre keeps evolving. The year 1991, was very important. After a popular contest, The "Centre d'interprétation du Témiscouata" changed to "ASTER, Bas-Saint-Laurent scientific Station". A museum section is added to the scientific vulgarisation animations. Since 1993, ASTER offers moving educational workshops: animators and equipements are moved to schools for animations adapted to the different school levels.

If you want to know more, see l'aventure Aster on the website of Musée virtuel du Canada: