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
Press releases
14 April 2025
Primitive meteorites: a new study explains why they are so rare on Earth
Administrative news
2 April 2025
Observatoire de Paris-PSL joins the 2nd Stand Up For Science Day on April 3
Highlights
World Water Day... how about a look into space?
Every year, World Water Day reminds us how precious this resource is on our planet. But its story is not limited to Earth! Water also intrigues astronomers,...
Highlights
Researchers discover hidden treasures in MeerKAT’s archive of observations
An international team of researchers, including scientists from Observatoire de Paris - PSL, Rhodes University’s Centre for Radio Astronomy Techniques and...
Administrative news
When the passion and collective strength of Paris Observatory restore sight to its Grande Lunette.
After two years of hard work, the "Grande Lunette et Grande Coupole de Meudon" (G3TLC) working group, in collaboration with Observatoire de Paris-PSL...
Highlights
The mass of the Andromeda galaxy is revised downwards
Using the most sophisticated dynamical model of the Andromeda galaxy and of its past history, a team led by an astronomer from the LIRA at the Paris...
Press releases
Astrophysics of the future: Observatoire de Paris-PSL, CNRS and their partners ready to take up the challenge
Observatoire de Paris - PSL and CNRS, along with their partner universities and organizations, are adopting a new scientific organization at the start of...
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.