Exploring and understanding the Universe. Teaching and training. Sharing knowledge.

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.

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
  • Campus
    Paris, Meudon, Nançay (France)
  • Trainings
    6 degree
  • Research
    6 research and/or support units
Press releases
Published on 16 September 2025

A mysterious gamma-ray burst, unlike any previously detected

A scientific team, including a CNRS researcher from the Paris Observatory - PSL, observed a gamma-ray burst that repeated several times over the course of a...
Highlights
Published on 18 August 2025

The total lunar eclipse of 7 September 2025

On Sunday, September 7, 2025, there will be a total lunar eclipse, which will be partially visible in mainland France, where it is expected to reach its peak...
Highlights
Published on 11 August 2025

AstroGeoFit revolutionizes the reading of Earth’s deep time

A major innovation that links celestial rhythms and sediments to unlock the secrets of ancient climate.
Exhibitions and information
Published on 8 August 2025

Observatoire de Paris - PSL participates to the Journées européennes du Patrimoine 2025

On Saturday, September 20, and Sunday, September 21, 2025, the Observatoire de Paris - PSL will open its doors to the public for a special event. Located in...
Highlights
Published on 8 August 2025

A planet orbiting the closest twin star to the Sun?

Using the Webb Space Telescope, an international team of scientists, including astrophysicists from the Paris Observatory – PSL, is gathering observations on...

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.

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Scientific departments and services

LIRA

LTE

LUX

UNIDIA

ORN

UFE

Library

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.

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Joint services

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.

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