Observatoire de Paris - PSL is a public institution responsible for fundamental and applied research, higher education and the sharing of knowledge in disciplines related to the sciences of the Universe, astronomy and time metrology.
Exploring and understanding the Universe. Teaching and training. Sharing knowledge.
About Paris-PSL Observatory
Founded in 1667, the Observatoire de Paris has been a center of innovation and discovery in astronomy for over 350 years. With 750 researchers and teacher-researchers, engineers, technicians and administrative staff, the establishment conducts research on its 3 campuses in astrophysics, physics, engineering and the metrology of time and space. Its work combines theory, numerics, experimentation, ground-based and space-based observations, and instrumental development.
Paris Observatory produces French legal time, ephemerides of the Sun, Moon and solar system bodies, and operates state-of-the-art radio telescopes at Nançay. It offers academic training (Masters, PhD), training for the general public and teachers, and class sponsorship. It is a founding member of the Université Paris Sciences et Lettres.
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Creation
1667
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Campus
Paris, Meudon, Nançay (France)
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Trainings
6 degree
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Research
6 research and/or support units
News
Administrative news
10 March 2026
The Paris Observatory - PSL, in solidarity with the national campaign “A Daffodil Against Cancer”
Highlights
19 February 2026
The largest radio map of the sky reveals the Universe in unprecedented detail
Administrative news
11 February 2026
International Day of Women and Girls in Science: the influence of an astrophysicist as an example
Highlights
9 February 2026
The small moon Enceladus shapes Saturn’s environment over record distances
Highlights
NenuFAR is now beating strongly
At the start of 2026, the core of the NenuFAR radio telescope in Nançay, co-financed by the Île-de-France Region, France, was completed, marking a major...
Administrative news
Philippe Stée elected president of the Paris Observatory – PSL
On Friday, January 30, 2026, Philippe Stée was elected President of the Observatoire de Paris - PSL at a plenary meeting of the institution. On March 13, he...
Highlights
An unprecedented signal around HD 206893 B: an exomoon candidate revealed by high-precision astrometry
A study led by a researcher from the Paris Observatory-PSL within the Laboratory for Instrumentation and Research in Astrophysics (LIRA - CNRS / Sorbonne...
Administrative news
Names of female scientists soon to be inscribed on the Eiffel Tower
On Monday, January 26, 2026, the names of the 72 female scientists who will be engraved on the Eiffel Tower in 2027 were unveiled, alongside the 72 male...
Press releases
The detection of radio bursts from stellar and exoplanetary systems
Building on the expertise of researchers at Paris Observatory - PSL, CNRS and Sorbonne University, an international team has developed a novel analysis...
Research
Observatoire de Paris-PSL is a unique research establishment, in terms of its history, reputation and diversity of research fields, as well as its ability to initiate innovative, multidisciplinary research.
The establishment is home to around a quarter of France’s total workforce in astronomy and astrophysics. The diversity of profiles and research themes creates an ecosystem that is unique in France, enabling the development of excellence in both fundamental and applied research, in emblematic fields and at the crossroads of disciplines.
Library
The Collection d’Excellence in Astronomy and Astrophysics, associated with the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, is one of the finest astronomy-physics libraries in the world, and a service entirely dedicated to research.
Joint services
A team dedicated to enhancing the attractiveness of the Paris Observatory and supporting research, teaching and the dissemination of knowledge.
Under the authority of the President, the General Services Manager steers and coordinates these services to ensure, in liaison with the establishment’s scientific departments and services, efficient management of resources and projects, while fostering an environment conducive to staff development.