On June 21st 1667, the Summer solstice, the members of the Academy of Sciences sworked together to set up the meridian line, around which the original building of the Paris Observatory would then be built. This first very serious day was just the start of a scientific adventure in astronomy which has continued witout interruption for three and half centuries.
The 350th anniversary site
This site is not only a glance towards an exceptionally rich past, but also a snapshot of the Observatory’s numerous activities to-day, as well a breathtaking view of all that is still not understood about the Universe.
Virtual visit
With the help of Google Maps, the Paris site is open to all, in the form of avirtual visit augmented by a rich assortment of descriptive documents.
You can also explore the Meudon and Nançay sites, relive 350 years of scientific adventure, learn about astronomers’ day to day activities as well as the various aspects of the astronomical profession, the tools used to study the Universe, ranging from the Sun and planets out to the very edge of the Universe, and appreciate the remarkable richness of astronomical research.
Art and science
You willl discover the very particular points of view of numerous artists as they pondered these 350 years, which have transformed the observatory into an inexhaustible source of inspiration.
Rendez-vous
The site will be accompanied by numerous events programmed during the year specifically for this anniversary : international colloquia, meetings with the astronomers, conferences … and all available on-line.
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