The sky over the Meuse coast is particularly black at night and dazzling in the morning, preserved by the absence of light pollution from large cities. It benefits from a microclimate limiting the fogs in autumn and winter. Due to this conducive environment, an astronomical observatory, equipped with a 32 inches (83 cm) Newton telescope, has been installed in the town of Viéville-sous-les-Côtes. An observation platform was also built in Madine Lake to monitor the wildlife populating the 2,718 acres (1,100 ha) it covers.