This prestigious heritage has grown through the work of generations of scientists. It includes for example, the lunar drawings of Jean-Dominique Cassini, La Caille’s sextant, the Peruvian Toise, the archives on the metric system, and those of François Arago and Urbain Le Verrier.
The astronomical heritage is still alive: on top of its historical, cultural and even artistic interest, it is a rich source of ancient observations which are still useful for today’s, and even tomorrow’s astronomers. Moreover, archives and instruments are collected from Paris Observatory research laboratories.
These collections are European and even international, since many of the disciplines such as geodesy, cartography, physics, metrology, in which the Observatory was and is engaged, have left their mark on the world-wide history of science: the determination of the meridian in France, in Ecuador, in Lapland, in Spain, Cassini’s map of France, the decimal metric system of Delambre and Méchain, the measurement of time, etc.
Paris Observatory is looking for donors and sponsors to maintain this unique heritage. Companies, foundations, individuals can be donors and sponsors.
You can help us develop, preserve and highlight Paris Observatory heritage. And if you wish, you can target your donations:
- for acquisitions (manuscripts, books, instruments...)
- heritage restoration
- for the support of programs which highlight the heritage (digitalisation, exhibitions...)
The scientific heritage needs your help!
Donations to Paris Observatory can reduce your income tax.
You can contact la.bibliotheque at obspm.fr