Paris Observatory

Paris Observatory. Astronomical observatory located on avenue de l’Observatoire, in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, founded in 1667, sciences, geodesy, cartography and meteorology were born here.

Summary

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• 1 History and heritage
• 2 Main Missions of the Observatory
  • 1 The investigation
  • 2 Training
  • 3 The dissemination of knowledge
• 3 Sources

History and heritage

The astronomical observatory located on avenue de l’Observatoire, in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, the Paris observatory has two other sites in Meudon and Nançay. Created in the second half of the 17th century, in 1667, it played an important role in the development of Western astronomy.

With three and a half centuries of astronomy practiced within its walls, from 1667 to the present, the Paris Observatory is a place tremendously rich in scientific and technical heritage. History was built there through characters, research, instruments, buildings, archives and today’s work will mark the history of tomorrow’s sciences.

It was a site of observation until the end of the 20th century, instrument design and theoretical research that addressed all areas of astronomy. With uninterrupted scientific activity and care for conservation and archiving, it has become an extremely rich place of scientific and technical heritage.

Main missions of the Observatory

• Research, contributing to the advancement of knowledge of the universe.
• Initial and continuous training.
• The dissemination of knowledge.

The investigation

The research carried out at the Paris Observatory covers all fields of contemporary astronomy and astrophysics :

• The study of Sun and Sun-Earth relationships.
• The planets and planetary systems.
• Star formation, the interstellar medium.
• The formation and evolution of galaxies.
• Astroparticles and cosmology.
• The metrology of space and time.
• The history and philosophy of science.

The formation

Teaching is organized by the Training and Teaching Unit (UFE) of the Paris Observatory. The establishment offers training in astronomy, astrophysics and space technologies at all levels of higher education.

A component establishment of the PSL University, the Paris Observatory runs the postgraduate program in Astrophysics that offers a complete cycle of higher studies and research: from the Master’s Degree in Universe Sciences and Space Technologies to the Doctorate. The establishment also offers courses in two other Masters and two licenses from PSL University.

Finally, the Paris Observatory offers courses outside of the LMD curriculum.

The dissemination of knowledge

Through scientific and technical culture, it represents an important part of the life of the establishment:

• Demonstration on the occasion of major astronomical events.
• Educational paths.
• Organization of school visits.
• Supply of traveling exhibitions and educational products.