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
News from the labs
SVOM detects signal from supernova dating back 13 billion years
SVOM begins its exploration of the distant universe: detection of a gamma-ray burst caused by a supernova that exploded 13 billion years ago. Researchers...
Administrative news
At the heart of extreme star mergers to discover the origin of elements: the ENGRAVE collaboration wins the Into Change award
The Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Research has awarded one million euros to the international collaboration ENGRAVE (Study of electromagnetic...
Highlights
MOSAIC: the Paris-PSL Observatory at the heart of building the instruments for the future ELT
On December 1, 2025, ESO signed the agreement launching the design and construction of MOSAIC, the multi-object spectrograph for the Extremely Large...
Press releases
Electric discharges detected on Mars for the first time
Electric discharges have for the first time been recorded within the storms and whirlwinds of dust – known as dust devils – that sweep across the surface of...
News from the labs
Four laser stars herald a new era for interferometry at the VLT
In early November 2025, four lasers fired from each of the four large 8-metre telescopes at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) were used to create...
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.