The sky over the Meuse plateau is particularly dark and dazzling being preserved from the light pollution of large cities. Consequently, an observatory, equipped with a Newton telescope 32 inches (83 cm) in diameter, has been set up in Viéville-sous-les-Côtes. The 2,718 acres (1,100 ha) of Madine Lake have a specific shape, with numerous arms and two islands in its center. Wild fjords have formed there, with lush vegetation. They are nurturing refuges for various species of wading birds.